ES News email The latest headlines in your inbox twice a day Monday - Friday plus breaking news updates Enter your email address Continue Please enter an email address Email address is invalid Fill out this field Email address is invalid You already have an account. Please log in Register with your social account or click here to log in I would like to receive lunchtime headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts, by email Update newsletter preferences

A secondary school has taken the controversial step of banning homework to give their teachers more time to plan lessons.

Phillip Morant School and College in Colchester, Essex, has abolished all homework set by teachers in favour of pupils selecting their own extra learning through the school’s website.

A letter sent to parents from the Teaching and Learning Team stated the new system would give pupils a “greater responsibility for their own learning”.

The letter reads: “We are changing our approach to homework and moving away from the traditional style towards a more independent model.”

“Students will be expected to select appropriate tasks based on guidance from their teachers, their own targets and their own interests.”

Principal Catherine Hutley told the Daily Gazette that she expected the new system would be controversial but she was convinced that students would benefit from it.

She said: “The job of a teacher is impossible. There are not enough hours in the day for a teacher to teach, set homework, mark homework, and plan their lessons.

“We have the most dedicated and committed staff you could possibly ask for.

“They are working every hour God sends but planning lessons can fall by the wayside.

“We want it to be the number one priority so teachers can plan for students’ individual needs and keep on top of their progress on a daily basis.”

Ms Hutley added that homework will now be completed in lessons and that tasks on the school website for students were still encouraging independent learning.

Students taking part in out of class learning on the school website will be offered rewards for completing tasks.

Phillip Morant has 1,650 students and was given a “good” rating in its last Ofsted report.

The school has also banned students from using mobile phones on the premises and removed academic banding.