Parents of students at Brakenhale School in UK’s Berkshire are voicing concerns over what they describe as overly strict rules, likening the school environment to that of a “prison” or “military camp.” The concern surrounds a series of new regulations implemented under the leadership of the school’s new headteacher, Camilla Douglas, who assumed the role in February.
As per a report by Metro, one of the most contentious rules cited by parents is a ban on speaking in the corridors, which they believe is excessive and suppressive. Additionally, parents claim that students are given just three seconds to make eye contact with teachers speaking to them, or they receive a warning. This, along with other perceived strict measures, has led to mounting discontent among the school community, the report added.
According to concerned parents, the situation escalated when 30 students were reportedly suspended in the first week of the new headteacher’s tenure. They also alleged that students were being reprimanded for minor infractions such as having a ‘fake cough, short hair or false eyelashes’. As a result, some parents claim that 40 children have transferred out of Brakenhale School to a nearby secondary school within a week.
Former English teacher Paul Wells has also criticised the school’s management, describing their approach as “authoritarian,” reported The Mirror. The news outlet added that he previously likened the school to an “army barracks or a military school” in September last year.
Keith Ellis and Kelly Ellis, parents of two students at Brakenhale School, expressed their frustration with the situation to Metro. They described instances where their sons faced disciplinary action, including one incident where their youngest son was put into isolation after being punched in the face by another student. Their other son, Frankie, was allegedly isolated for having a short haircut and for coughing, which the teacher deemed as “fake.”
Kelly Ellis, a hairdresser, criticised the school’s policy, calling it “very military” and indicating that students feel silenced throughout the day. She also mentioned an incident where a student was sent home for wearing false eyelashes by a teacher who was reportedly wearing them as well, the report further said.
In response to the allegations, the headteacher told the publication that the school does not comment through the press on matters regarding students and encouraged concerned parties to contact the school directly. Grainne Siggins, executive director for people at Bracknell Forest Council, emphasised that Brakenhale School is an academy in the Greenshaw Learning Trust, and any complaints should be made directly to the school.
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