Teachers in NSW will be given more time to prepare their lessons under a new government announcement.

Secondary school teachers who currently receive five hours and 35 minutes of release time each week will be guaranteed an extra 30 minutes per week for three years.

Currently, primary school teachers receive two hours of release time every week but will be guaranteed an extra 30 minutes per week in 2023, increasing to an extra 60 minutes per week in 2024 and 2025.

State Education Minister Sarah Mitchell told Ben Fordham that teachers have been asking for the change.

“In a primary school the release time will occur … when the kids are doing other activities.

“In high school, it’s part of the way that they plan it in terms of their lesson allocations.”

The last day of the school year will now be Friday, December 16.

Press PLAY below to hear the interview in full