TEENAGERS at a Poole academy could be putting in an extra four hours of study if proposals to extend the working day are approved.

Magna Academy Poole at Canford Heath is currently consulting parents about extending the school day until 4.30pm three days a week for Year 10 and 11 students from September this year.

The proposal is to lengthen the day on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week, which would be mandatory for all Year 10 and 11 students aged 14-16.

This would provide an extra four hours of teaching and the academy says educational research indicates that longer school days are one of the best ways to bring about school improvement.

The additional teaching time would allow all Year 10 and 11 students to receive more English and maths tuition compared to other schools.

The academy said it believed that it was “absolutely vital” to secure the very best grades for their students, who range in age from 12 to 18.

Having what would be a sixth period of study in the day would provide the opportunity to either study an additional GCSE subject, receive additional English or maths, benefit from small group tuition or another activity, the academy said.

Principal Richard Tutt said: “Magna Academy Poole is committed to achieving the very best outcomes for every student in its care, both personally and academically.

“Our intention to lengthen the academy day is part of our ongoing determined drive to achieve excellence, in order to significantly raise achievement and maximise the life chances of our students.”

There will be an information evening for parents after the Easter holidays.

The former technology college was opened as an academy by the Aspirations Academies Trust in September 2013.

It has benefited from a £14million new build and a £1.3million IT system.