Two episodes show how fragile trust between parents and teachers has become.
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Two episodes show how fragile trust between parents and teachers has become.
The Hindu reported an incident one evening at 5.30pm, when an agitated parent called a school demanding to see the principal. The parent claimed his son had been physically assaulted by a teacher in a school restroom and threatened to go to the police if the teacher was not produced.
School leaders called the teacher back and listened as the student and his parents spoke with anger and certainty. The teacher was publicly humiliated and urged to apologise, but after every version of the incident was heard, the alleged assault turned out never to have happened.
The parents left quietly, but the teacher was left with wounded dignity. The episode left the school's staff asking when trust between homes and schools had become so fragile.
In Cornwall, BBC News reported, a 14-year-old pupil named Amelia stopped drinking water at school rather than ask to use the toilet. Her school had introduced strict disciplinary policies, including limiting toilet visits during classes, after it was taken over by the Athena Learning Trust in January 2024.
Amelia's mother said the policies led to her daughter developing a series of serious infections. Hundreds of parents campaigned against Athena with public meetings, school-gate protests and online petitions, supported by local MPs and councillors.
Last month the trust announced it would disband and transfer all its schools to other trusts. It said trustees had listened carefully to feedback and recognised the clear need for change.
BBC's Panorama spoke to nearly 100 pupils, parents and former teachers from Athena schools, some of whom described the way the schools were run as 'authoritarian' and 'cruel'. One student with ADHD said he was constantly scared of doing something wrong, and a former music teacher said his lessons were taught in silence.
Athena is not the only trust enforcing strict discipline, and exam results at its schools improved. The government says about 20% of the school day in England is lost to bad behaviour, and behaviour advisor Tom Bennett, speaking generally, said a high level of strictness helps students understand what is expected of them.
At the same time, there is growing concern that punitive disciplinary practices at some schools in England are damaging children, the BBC reported.
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Of the 4 branches it sealed, the one it weights highest is "Calm internal review: allegation unsubstantiated but trust damaged" at 30%.
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"The Committee are of the view that there is an urgent need to increase the number of schools at secondary and higher secondary levels," it said.
Discipline at an academy trust went too far - parents, pupils and former teachers tell BBC Panorama.
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