A primary school in Oxfordshire has sparked controversy by announcing it will impose fines of up to £120 per child for persistent lateness, in what headteachers are calling a "necessary measure" to combat disruption to classroom learning.
St Edburg's Church of England School in Bicester has informed parents that from this academic year, families risk financial penalties if their children repeatedly arrive after the morning register closes at 8:50 AM. The policy represents one of the most stringent approaches to punctuality seen in British primary education.
The Three-Strike System
Under the new system, parents will receive:
- An initial warning for the first late arrival
- A second written warning for subsequent lateness
- A final notice threatening a £60 fine per child for further incidents
- Persistent offenders facing doubled penalties of £120 per child
School officials argue that the tough stance is essential for maintaining educational standards. "When children arrive late, it disrupts not only their own learning but the entire class," explained a school representative.
Parental Reaction and Community Debate
The announcement has divided the local community, with some parents supporting the school's firm approach while others condemn it as "unreasonable and punitive" toward working families.
One concerned parent told local media: "We all want our children to be punctual, but life happens - traffic, younger siblings, unexpected delays. Slapping struggling families with massive fines seems completely disproportionate."
However, supporters counter that the policy encourages responsibility and respects the education of children who arrive on time. "It's about setting standards and showing children that their education matters," argued another parent.
Legal Framework and Enforcement
The fines fall under existing government legislation that allows schools to issue penalty notices for unauthorized absence, though typically these are reserved for term-time holidays rather than daily punctuality.
Education experts note that while schools have the legal authority to implement such measures, St Edburg's approach represents a significant escalation in how these powers are applied to morning routines.
The school has emphasised that fines will only be used as a last resort after multiple warnings and opportunities for parents to address the issue.
