Parents in Melbourne are upset about a proposal from Scotch College’s principal to end classes early in 2025.

Angry parents of boys attending an elite Melbourne college have launched a petition opposing a proposed change in class times, describing it as “irresponsible.”

On Monday, parents from Scotch College in Hawthorn started a petition on change.org, objecting to Principal Scott Marsh’s plan to end classes at 1.50pm one day a week for staff training.

The petition argues that this change would negatively impact students, parents, and caregivers, forcing boys to either take up new hobbies from a limited selection, participate in co-curricular activities, or leave school early.

Furthermore, it criticizes the additional burden placed on parents and caregivers who would need to adjust their work schedules to accommodate the earlier pickup time.

By Thursday morning, the petition had garnered over 600 signatures, with comments labeling the proposal as “bound to fail” and “irresponsible.”

In response to the backlash, Marsh clarified to 7NEWS.com.au that the proposed changes for the 2025 timetable are still under community consultation.

He explained that on the day with the 1.50pm finish, there might be an activities program running until 3.15pm, though it’s unclear if participation would be mandatory.

Marsh emphasized that while the overall face-to-face learning times remain intact and have even increased for core subjects, unused time in the timetable has been eliminated to accommodate this new program.

He reassured parents that the college remains committed to providing daily school hours from 8.30am to 3.30pm.

According to reports, a letter sent to parents and carers last month indicated that the early finish would aim to utilize afternoons for teacher training, as reported by the Herald Sun.