Homework is back at Folkestone Academy, but pupils won't have to do it.

A consultation has just closed over the school's proposals for a new homework policy.

The school says there is still a place for homework within the school but pupils will not be penalised if they do not complete it.

Pupils who do the tasks set or achieve "positive test results" will be rewarded.

The academy's homework policy in the secondary school was highlighted by Ofsted as an area needing improvement with inspectors noting it was "unstainable" when they visited last October.

During the summer holidays last year parents protested angrily over the school's plans to reintroduce homework despite a longer school day.

Some described the plans as "a total joke" and a petition was set up.

The document sent to parents said: "Homework will help students consolidate what they have been taught in formal classes, and give them increased confidence and ability to retain what they have learned."

One of the major concerns parents had with the extended school hours and homework on top was the lack of school/home balance.

In its proposals the school said it is "keen to work with parents and carers to minimise the effect on students' home and family life".

It adds it feels the work teachers set "will make a critical difference" to see students "maximise their potential" and say it's for this reason it would "inappropriate for it to be optional".

A parents' working group is going to be set up with parents and carers from each year group being represented.

Anyone interested in joining the focus group can contact Louise Warburton on parent.voice@folkestoneacademy.com or leave their name, child's name and year and contact details at reception.