COLCHESTER Academy could open during the Christmas holidays to boost its exam grades.

Headteacher, Barry Hersom, revealed the school is considering running lessons during the festive break at the request of teachers and pupils.

The extra lessons will be not compulsory for staff or pupils.

Mr Hersom said: “The staff are telling me the children want to come in and do extra work. It would only be for a short time.

“We would feed them and look after them.

“I think it’s important we provide a civilised, welcome environment in the holidays if they are giving up their time off.

“I will be talking to staff, but I’m only going to do that if it’s what the children want.”

It is part of a bid to boost exam results at the school in Hawthorn Avenue.

The school has been running after-school classes with the promise of rewards for attendance since it became an academy last year.

This summer the percentage of pupils receiving A* to C grades at GCSE was 49 per cent – 15 per cent up on the previous year.

Jason Grady, whose son William is to sit two GCSEs after Christmas, objected to Christmas lessons.

Mr Grady, 39, of Chase Court, Greenstead, said: “Mr Hersom has done a lot of good for the school in bringing up the grades and getting kids into line.

“As far as I’m concerned, the pupils need that break, otherwise it will literally fry their brains. They can’t constantly be asked to cram in information.

“Some parents might say they think it will benefit their children, but I’m against it.

“I’m afraid I don’t believe the children will want to go in.

“My son has a lot of friends and I can guarantee not one of them will want to go in over Christmas. If the school wants to do anything it should make the summer holidays shorter.”