Parents have criticised King Edward VI Academy (KEVI) in Spilsby for its strict rules, particularly regarding toilet access for girls on their period. Concerns were raised last year about the use of isolation at the school, which was recently rated 'good' by Ofsted.
One parent, Sarah, told the BBC that her daughters had been denied permission to use the toilet during lessons, leading to incidents where one daughter 'leaked through' to her clothes. On another occasion, her older daughter was allowed to go only after announcing her period, but was later told not to speak like that in class. Sarah also claimed the school failed to pass on sanitary supplies she had provided, leaving her daughter in an 'unhygienic mess for the entire day'.
The school said it offers free sanitary products and that pupils can use bathrooms when necessary. However, parents have also raised concerns about sanctions, with one parent saying her child was suspended for going to the toilet without permission despite having a medical pass. Another parent claimed her son, who uses hearing aids, was repeatedly sent to the behavioural support unit for minor infractions like not having the 'KEVI six'—two purple pens, two black pens, a ruler and a pencil.
Some parents have chosen to home-school their children, citing the school's strict enforcement of policies. Jenny, whose son has separation-anxiety disorder, said the school threatened sanctions for non-attendance, adding, 'I don't feel it's a behavioural problem. I do feel it's an anxiety problem.' The school said home-schooling is a parental decision and that it would explore support with a family's consent.
