More than 200 pupils have been suspended within three weeks at St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy in Whiston, Merseyside, after the school introduced tough new disciplinary policies. School leaders say the crackdown aims to 'raise the bar' for standards, but some parents have described the measures as 'extreme' and claim children are now scared to attend school.
The academy, which is part of the Pope Francis Catholic Multi-Academy Trust, has been under scrutiny after headteacher Lee Peachey and deputy head Anna Kenny disappeared from their roles over a year ago without explanation. Both remain listed on the school's website, while Clare McKenna serves as acting head. The trust has never commented on the disappearances, which came after the school climbed out of Ofsted's 'inadequate' rating in May 2023, though it still requires improvement.
Under the new policy, developed with the Education Exchange consortium, suspensions surged: 99 in the first week, followed by 67 and 36 in subsequent weeks. The school views this as evidence that pupils are adjusting to higher expectations. Most suspensions involve students being sent home for the day after repeatedly ignoring staff requests.
However, one parent, who wished to remain anonymous, criticised the approach as 'extreme' and said punishments were often for minor issues. 'I have no issues with my child being punished, but it should be relevant to the offence. Suspension should be a last resort,' he said. He added that many children have become anxious about school and that parents receive little notice of isolations or suspensions, disrupting work and family life.
The policy has sparked debate on local Facebook groups. Some parents argue that children are being punished for trivial matters, with one saying, 'They actually don't let the children breathe.' Others support the crackdown, with one commenting, 'It's about time the schools clamped down; some kids run riot.' Acting head Clare McKenna defended the measures, stating the school is committed to high standards and that the policy is working.
