Across the UK, schools are rethinking how they handle discipline, and one Merseyside academy has taken things to a whole new level—triggering both applause and outrage from the community.
At the heart of this controversy is St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy in Whiston, near Liverpool, where more than 200 students have been suspended in just three weeks.
Strict New Rules Shake Up the School Environment
The school recently introduced a series of strict policies to address student behaviour, aiming to raise academic and behavioural standards.
The leadership at St Edmund Arrowsmith believes this bold move is key to shedding its current Ofsted rating of “requires improvement.”
Infractions as small as refusing to give up a phone, wearing makeup, applying nail varnish, or donning false eyelashes are now landing students in serious trouble.
Consequences have included suspension and even full-day isolation—an approach that has sparked a fierce community debate.
Parents Push Back Over Harsh Punishments
Many parents are voicing strong concerns, saying the school’s crackdown feels excessive and out of touch with students’ emotional needs.
One father, who chose to stay anonymous, described the discipline as over the top.
“These punishments don’t match the so-called offences,” he said.
“It’s not tailored to the reasons behind each student’s behaviour. It feels like a one-size-fits-all punishment system.”
He warned that the strategy is taking a toll on children’s mental wellbeing.
“My child is now scared to go to school. There’s so much suspension and isolation happening, it’s impacting their learning and confidence.”
Suspensions Surge in Just 21 Days
According to data circulating among parents, the school suspended 99 students in the first week of the new rules, 67 the following week, and 36 in the third—totalling 202 suspensions in just three weeks.
The school sees this sharp decline week-to-week as a sign that the message is getting through.
But for many families, the policy’s immediate impact has been chaotic.
Sammy Rhead, a parent, said her child was suspended simply for refusing to hand over a bracelet.
“They’re punishing kids for things like phones, lashes, even makeup,” she said, frustrated.
“Enough is Enough,” Say Some Parents
Lexi Sharp, a mother of two, shared how her daughter has faced daily suspensions—one incident involving nail varnish sparked ongoing conflict.
“I’ve tried to cooperate with the school, but this has gone too far. I keep getting messages about detention even when my daughter is suspended,” she explained.
“They told her she’ll be isolated until I show up for a meeting. That’s not right.”
Social Media Debate Heats Up
Local Facebook groups have lit up with parents debating the policy.
Some have accused the school of turning into a military-style institution.
One commenter wrote, “It’s like an army camp. My child is getting told off for the tiniest things.
They’re not soldiers, they’re kids with personalities. Teachers should know how to manage classroom behaviour without going to extremes.”
However, others welcome the discipline.
One parent posted, “It’s about time. Some of these kids act like they run the place. There needs to be order.”
Leadership Shift and External Help
Behind the scenes, the school has seen big leadership changes.
Headteacher Lee Peachey and deputy head Anna Kenny quietly exited their roles last year, with no public explanation.
Both are still listed on the school’s website but are not currently active.
In the meantime, acting headteacher Clare McKenna has stepped in, working closely with the Education Exchange—a national education consultancy that specialises in behaviour reform.
Acting Head Defends the Approach
Ms McKenna has stood by the new measures, explaining they’re part of a long-term plan to instil a stronger culture of respect and high expectations.
“We knew we had to take action after our last Ofsted report. We’ve made real progress,” she said.
She noted that while the number of suspensions spiked at the start, they’ve now dropped significantly—by roughly two-thirds.
“We’re already seeing a calmer atmosphere. More students are focused, and many are responding positively.”
Not Just About Punishment
In response to critics, Ms McKenna emphasized that the school isn’t only focused on discipline.
“We’re celebrating the students who are meeting expectations. We’re doing more to recognise and reward the ones who are working hard and thriving.”
She added, “This isn’t just about cracking down. It’s about lifting everyone up and setting a new standard. Ultimately, we all want what’s best for our brilliant pupils.”
What Comes Next?
While the school sees signs of success and insists it’s making progress, the debate is far from over.
Parents, students, and staff are still navigating the fallout of these sweeping changes.
With strong opinions on both sides, the question remains—can a balance be struck between discipline and understanding?
What happens next could shape the future of how schools nationwide manage behaviour and academic expectations.
But for now, families in Whiston are grappling with the impact of this dramatic shift in school culture.