Edusky Private School · Parents' Guide · Last reviewed: 2026-10-18
- Homework in primary school is linked to about three months of additional progress.[1]
- The effect is smaller than in secondary school, where it is linked to about five months.[1]
- The overall evidence is rated as low.[1]
- Homework linked to classroom work tends to be more effective.[1]
The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), a UK organisation, has reviewed the research on homework.[1] It found that studies in secondary schools show greater impact (+5 months) than in primary schools (+3 months).[1]
This does not mean homework is useless in primary school. It means the effect is modest and the evidence is not as strong as we might hope. The EEF also notes that the security of the evidence around homework is rated as low.[1]
While the overall evidence on homework is mixed, the EEF does identify what tends to work better:
- Link it to classwork. Homework that is linked to classroom work tends to be more effective.[1] The EEF recommends using well-designed tasks that are linked to classroom learning.[1]
- Quality over quantity. The quality of the task set appears to be more important than the quantity of work required from the pupil.[1]
- Reading, spelling and number facts. These are the most common homework activities in primary schools.[1]
If homework is causing tears, stress, or taking time away from sleep or play, it is worth talking to your child's teacher.
The evidence is limited. The Education Endowment Foundation rates the security of the evidence around homework as low.[1] In primary schools, the estimated effect is smaller than in secondary schools.[1] Homework that is linked to classroom work tends to be more effective.[1]
Homework that is linked to what children are learning in class tends to be more effective than generic tasks.[1] The EEF recommends using well-designed tasks that are linked to classroom learning.[1] The quality of the task appears to be more important than the quantity.[1]
The EEF found that the quality of the task appears to matter more than the quantity of work.[1] If homework is causing stress or eating into sleep, talk to your child's teacher.
Sources last verified: 2026-10-18
About Edusky: a KPM-registered private primary school (SMIPS JDA1001) in Taman Adda Height, Johor Bahru. Standard 1 to 6 on Malaysia's national curriculum, in classes of about 15, with after-school care until 6pm on weekdays.
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