Why Britain's schools are turning into 'prison camps'

More and more headteachers are turning to the 'no-excuses' high academic approach for their schools. But some believe it is going too far, alienating parents, pupils and teachers. With school refusals at a record high

- By Chloe Combi

The return to school after the summer holidays can be hard. But this year, for many, it was harder - and not just for the pupils.

Take this example from a parent's social media post: “My daughter tried to leave via the normal exit but was stopped, yelled at, and told she was going the wrong way.” “My daughter Bella* got behaviour points for wearing Nike socks – she's worn them since Year 7. Apparently, if you walk down the stairs the wrong way, you now get behaviour points.” “In Tom's* school, if a boy's hair isn't at least three inches long, they have to face a brick wall for an hour.” “My daughter had to sit in her wool blazer while it was 25 degrees outside. The teachers were in short sleeves. The rules are so strict that she hates school now. I'm thinking of homeschooling.”

These parents are responding to stricter rules that have been newly introduced at their children's schools, part of a growing trend happening across the UK. A typical school rulebook will often include: pupils must move between lessons in silence, often in single file; no stopping to look over balconies; no going to the lavatory between lessons; no gathering in large groups; and no walking on the “wrong” side of a corridor.

There are often punishments for behaviours deemed unacceptable, including “tutting,” rolling eyes, or hesitating before following an instruction. Strict uniform and appearance codes require shirts to be tucked in, ties straight, and no underclothing (thermals or vests) visible. Internal isolation regimes, punishment blocks and exclusion orders are par for the course. It has left many wondering how the language of “prisons” and the atmosphere of military academies have slowly crept into our mainstream education system.