Petition · past parliament · Department for Education

Ban schools from setting compulsory homework until sixth form

Closed 18 signatures

What the petition asks

Prevent primary and secondary schools setting compulsory homework (not including virtual learning which takes place during standard school hours) until students start their A level courses.
Homework harms social equality because some children have more help and access to resources, and a better work environment, than others, which makes it an unfair comparison of their performance. It can also harm children's mental health. Also, children already spend a lot of time at school during the day, and this ought to be enough time to teach everything on the national curriculum - if it proves impossible, then the curriculum should be reduced, not children's free time and wellbeing.

Timeline

12 Feb 2021 Petition opened for signatures
12 Aug 2021 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 18
Status Closed
Department Department for Education
Opened 12 Feb 2021
Closed 12 Aug 2021

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.