Recently, a head master decided to start the school year off right with expectations of strong behavioural boundaries of do’s and don’ts. School Rules: are they important for children’s success?
Are School Rules important?
Interim principle Dan Jeffries (Daily Mail, 17th September 2026) set out strict rules at Frome Community College in Somerset, with standards set against persistent disruption. It seems some parents were not happy. On the other hand, the fact there is an interim head suggests a strict policy may be needed, so the students will take his rules seriously.
Frome Community College is a comprehensive secondary school.
We know from Katharine Birbalsingh, Headmistress of Michaela Community School in Wembley, and arguably the best comprehensive school in Britain, that discipline is the best and most important attribute to success.
Parents and Teacher to row together
It seems a bit discouraging that there is a disagreement between some of the parents and this head teacher. It’s a bit like 2 parents in the family disagreeing, whereby the children therefore do not get a clear message and without it, lack the incentive to abide by the rules set forth with respect.
This is a potentially a big problem.
Discipline to learn
There need to be boundaries and discipline in the classroom (and at home) in order for children to learn. On the other hand, one hopes the environment of any school will exude an atmosphere of warmth and respect.
If parents object to the head of the school being strict with the students, the children receive “mixed messages” and therefore may quite naturally object to the discipline.
Some caught in the crossfire
Rules aren’t made to be broken (contrary to the old phrase!). Neither do they exist to squash enthusiasm, creativity and fun! In the case of Frome Community College, apparently, some innocence were caught in the crossfire.
How do we ensure learning, a stimulating environment, and an atmosphere of mutual respect?
Value of Home Influence on School Results
I think it starts at home. If children are taught to respect their elders and those in authority, they are less likely to act up in school.
There is an old proverb: ‘Train a child in the way s/he should go, and when s/he grows up, s/he will not depart from it.’
Of course we must support and if necessary, defend our children. But may I encourage us all to loan respect to the teachers of our children, giving them room to teach and to make mistakes too. Can we work alongside them, in encouraging our children to take authority seriously, not so that they be bullied or dominated, but so they can learn how to cope with authority in work and in life.
Head teachers and staff at schools are not infallible, but most are there to teach, encourage, and instruct our children. Let’s help them by giving them the benefit of the doubt at the start of the year, so that our children can learn and grow, not only in the subject matter they study, but within the social hierarchy and dynamics of the school in which they are placed.
My thoughts… as a mum and formerly, a classroom teacher.
Please feel free to share yours in the Comments. I’d love to hear from you.