BOSSES at a school which controversially scrapped homework two years ago are set to bring it back in.

Colin Green and Michele Myers have been standing in at Philip Morant School in Colchester since headteacher Catherine Hutley was suspended 12 weeks ago.

In the meantime, parents have been given the chance to give feedback on the move, which, although did do away with compulsory homework, did outline voluntary tasks to carry out at home.

a move to ban compulsory homework in 2016, and set children tasks they could do voluntarily.

A Prove It+ survey was issued before half term.

After the survey results, a letter to parents from the acting headteachers said: “We are now in the process of establishing a robust and thorough approach to independent study at home, which will be based on a very significant compulsory element at all key stages, as well as opportunities for students to develop their independent learning skills as they progress through the school.

“There will also be opportunities and encouragement for students to enrich their studies through a variety of activities, both in school and in the wider community.

“Full details of the school’s approach from September will follow well before the end of term.”

The letter added: “In the meantime, students have been made aware that if teachers indicate to them that tasks need to be completed outside of lessons to support their learning, the expectation from the school is that they complete them.”

At the time, it was hoped Prove It+ would free up teachers’ time to plan lessons rather than being bogged down in marking homework.

The initiative encouraged pupils to complete voluntary, non-compulsory tasks outside of class and the school said it would ensure all compulsory work is covered in the classroom.

Parent Tony Cheeld had joined others in raising concerns about the scrapping of the homework, welcomed the move, claiming it was affecting students’ progress.

He said he was thrilled at the news of change being made.

He said: “It’s the best news I have had this year so far, and I really mean that.

“It’s good for the whole school community.

“We are coming out of a dark era.

“I went to the school recently for a meeting and there was positivity about the place, people were smiling.

“A lot of the students in the end were saying they wanted homework back.”

He and a number of other parents arranged a meeting with Mr Green and Michele Myers when they first stepped up to the plate.

He added: “We trusted them as we have known them for a long time.

“I imagine they will assess the situation very carefully and I trust them to find a way forward that is suitable for all.

“This is a great victory for common sense.”

It is not known how long the acting headteachers will be covering for Ms Hutley, as an investigation is ongoing.

The Gazette contacted the school for comment but no response was received at the time of going to press.