Fareham Academy: Petition launched by students after more than 100 schoolchildren reportedly put in isolation
Under a new headteacher, the school has become stricter around its uniform policy.
Children have launched an online petition, urging their headteacher to reconsider the enforcement of a school uniform policy.
Dozens of pupils from Fareham Academy in St Anne’s Grove, Fareham, found themselves put into isolation in the sports hall yesterday (Monday, June 1). Parents and schoolchildren have told The News there were more than 100 pupils affected, while the school insists that number was around 40.
It comes as headteacher Randall Jull reinforced the school’s uniform policy, which prohibits hoodies, leggings, jeans and trainers, as well as make-up, nail varnish and false nails. A letter was sent out to parents before the half-term holiday, outlining the changes.
Now, a petition has been launched by pupils, urging the school to “reconsider immediate changes to their disciplinary policies”.
The petition reads: “Over 100 students are being sent to isolation each day for uniform violations. This practice not only disrupts the learning process but also unfairly targets students, potentially impacting their academic performance and emotional well-being.
“Sign this petition to urge Fareham Academy to reconsider immediate changes to their disciplinary policies, ensuring they are fair, balanced, and in the best interest of all students.”
Schoolchildren who have signed the petition have criticised the school for concentrating more on school uniform violations than education itself.
“This school is so bad, they don’t care about us and it doesn’t matter what we wear,” one pupil said. “We come to school to learn not to get told off for our uniform, this school needs to be fixed.”
“I’m here to learn, not to be uncomfortable and self-conscious - sort this out now,” another said.
Speaking to The News, one parent said: “The anxiety of some children this evening is worrying. They are scared about going into school in case they are pulled into isolation by the teachers. This is simply unacceptable.
“Whilst I completely understand the need for rules to be enforced, I don’t accept that this should push parents into financial hardship for the sake of six weeks left of term.”
Headteacher Mr Jull has said that the school uniform policy is not new, but simply being reinforced after being loosened over the past few years.