Plymouth parents concerned over school's 'outdated' rules

A Plymouth school's alleged “outdated” school uniform policy and "draconian" measures are causing concern amongst students and their families.

Parents of students at Eggbuckland Community College have highlighted several "issues" at the start of the school term - and many feel the problems are still unresolved.

A concerned grandparent raised concerns weeks ago, saying pupils were being placed in isolation because of minor uniform infractions such as wearing "the wrong shaped" stud earrings or modest makeup.

Another dad of a pupil has voiced concerns, stating that "since returning after the summer holidays the rules have gone beyond ridiculous".

Reports have surfaced that Eggbuckland students are being placed into isolation, in a room referred to as the 'Compass', for extended periods.

One parent claimed that a “particularly troubling case” at the beginning of the school term saw a student sent to isolation - despite wearing the correct colour trainers - because of a small white tag on the back heel.

Just last week, one worried mum said "it's very draconian" at the secondary school, expressing concerns about the "Compass". She claimed that students are "not allowed to do their lesson work" while there.

Eggbuckland Community College and the Westcountry Schools Trust, which it is a part of, have both been contacted for comment on multiple occasions. They have not responded to the claims.

One concerned mum told PlymouthLive: "Education is the most important thing and these pupils are nearly adults. But in the mornings they have to line up and have a uniform inspection.

"They have to have their pencil cases in their right hands and calculators in their left hands - then they get four minutes to get to class. It can be carnage in the corridors as they rush to get to class at once and if they are late they are sent to the Compass.

"If they are wearing the incorrect uniform they are taken to the boot room where they have to change into something more appropriate.”

Another girl has reportedly been isolated for colouring her hair a shade of auburn and the school has been slammed, by parents, for having an "excessive focus on appearance over education".

A grandparent of one pupil said: “Many parents feel as concerned as I am over these draconian measures. When the students arrive at the school, they have to line up with their pencil cases in one hand and some are told to lift up their eyelids so the school can check for false eyelashes.”

He also believes 'many are missing out on their education for minor infringements'.

He added: “These young women are growing and, at a sensitive age, many feel more confident and comfortable with a bit of makeup, which can even help with their mental health and self-esteem.

“Meanwhile, boys are being punished for having styled haircuts, with some being placed in isolation even if the haircut was done outside of school term time.”

Some concerned parents have approached the school and the governors to suggest a “more balanced approach” to these policies, but have not received a response.

Parents have expressed disappointment that their “valid concerns and requests for dialogue continue to be ignored”.

The grandparent said: “In an age where schools should be supporting students' wellbeing and mental health, especially during such formative years, it is disheartening to see Eggbuckland Community College taking such a heavy-handed approach.

"It seems that the school’s priority has shifted from providing quality education to wielding control over students in matters of dress and appearance.

“I urge the school leadership to reconsider these policies and strike a better balance between maintaining a reasonable dress code and ensuring that education and student welfare are the top priorities.”

In its most recent Ofsted report (published on 24 June 2024) the school was praised for "behaviour and attitudes" but ordered to improve in three areas, including "the quality of education".

Eggbuckland Community College and Westcountry Schools Trust have been approached for comment.

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