Commenting on new research from the Centre for Young Lives calling on school to offer pupils a minimum of 80 hours’ enrichment activities every year, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“Enrichment activities can have a hugely positive impact on young people and most schools offer a wide range of such opportunities already. 

"Enrichment can indeed be a tool to engage some pupils, particularly when there are concerns around attendance. Any proposals to expand enrichment would undoubtedly require significant additional funding and resources for schools. 

"We cannot expect existing staff already overburdened with excessive workload to do more – whether that is co-ordinating or running such activities. Being a school leader or teacher is already more than a full-time job – we cannot ask them to become enrichment providers too.”