How parents and pupils took on 'cruel', 'authoritarian' schools - and won
Summary
A school trust called Athena Learning Trust in England introduced very strict rules, including limits on toilet breaks during class. Many parents and students complained these rules caused harm, such as a student becoming seriously ill from not drinking water. Due to public pressure, the trust decided to close and hand over its schools to other groups.Key Facts
- Athena Learning Trust manages six secondary schools in Devon and Cornwall, England.
- The trust introduced strict discipline rules in January 2024, including restricting toilet visits during lessons.
- A 14-year-old student named Amelia stopped drinking water to avoid needing the toilet and became seriously ill with infections and kidney damage.
- Hundreds of parents and students protested against the trust’s harsh policies, calling them "cruel" and "authoritarian."
- In response, Athena announced plans to disband and transfer its schools to other trusts.
- Nearly 100 pupils, parents, and former teachers shared concerns about the strict discipline at Athena schools.
- Some argue strict discipline can improve behavior and exam results, but others warn it harms children’s health and well-being.
- More than 500 children left Athena schools to be home-educated in the last three years.
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