Werneth School in Stockport has introduced a new rule requiring Year 11 students to attend at least 30 after-school revision sessions to be eligible for their end-of-year prom. The policy, part of the school's Passport to Prom programme, has drawn mixed reactions from families on social media, with some calling it 'excessive' and others welcoming the extra support.
New rule under Passport to Prom
Under the new rules, students must stay behind until 4pm on revision days, rather than finishing at 3.10pm. The sessions are delivered by teachers after the normal school day and are designed to 'help students develop positive study routines, strengthen their subject knowledge and prepare effectively' for their GCSE exams.
Thirty sessions across the year equates to roughly one session per week, and students can choose sessions based on subjects where they feel they need the most support. Principal Dan Willis, who took over at the school in July, defended the initiative, saying: "We will never apologise for wanting the very best for our young people."
Principal's defence and school turnaround
Mr Willis explained that the programme is not about punishment but about encouraging positive habits. "Our Period 6 programme is not about punishing students or creating unnecessary barriers," he said. "It is about encouraging young people to develop the habits, resilience and commitment that will give them the best possible chance in their GCSE examinations and beyond."
The school has seen improvements this summer, with more than half of Werneth's Year 11 students achieving a grade 4 or above in both English and mathematics for the first time in many years, an increase of 7.73% compared with the previous year. Suspensions have also reduced, and external visitors have noted the calm and purposeful atmosphere.
Leadership and community response
Mr Willis has worked at Werneth for 25 years, starting as a geography teacher before taking on various leadership roles. He is supported by two new vice principals, Priya Jones and Steve Taylor, who lead on quality of education and inclusion respectively. The school's 'Werneth Way' culture is built around values of respect, kindness, hard work and good communication.
Vanessa McManus, CEO of Education Learning Trust, which took over the school in January 2021, said: "Improving educational outcomes is a long-term commitment and does not happen overnight. We are immensely grateful for the dedication of our teaching and support staff, who work tirelessly to provide additional opportunities for our students as they prepare for their GCSEs across both of our secondary schools."
