Boarding Schools Rules & Discipline
Boarding school rules
School rules are intended to ensure the safety and welfare of pupils and the smooth functioning of the school community. All schools publish their own rules and children are expected to abide by them.
Good manners, a sense of responsibility and tidiness are expected of children at all times and especially when representing the school away from the school premises.
Attendance at all classes, as well as any scheduled games or other activities on the child's timetable, is compulsory. When in class children are expected to show a positive attitude and involvement in all class activities. Disruptive behaviour in class is not tolerated.
Violent, bullying, threatening or dishonest behaviour is not permitted, nor is the possession of fireworks, dangerous weapons, cigarettes, alcohol, illegal drugs or pornographic material. Parents are encouraged to ask the schools they are considering for their children to provide a copy of their policy regarding bullying.
Children should respect the property of others and mobile phones are discouraged as the schools are not responsible for their security. They should never be used at a time which disturbs others.
Children should take pride in their personal appearance and ensure that their clothes are neat and clean. Hair must be of natural colour and of a style and cut approved by the senior staff of the school. The wearing of jewellery is not usually permitted with the exception of one pair of plain metal earrings which may be worn by girls, as may a plain metal necklace with a simple emblem.
Children may only leave the school premises as outlined in the school rules. Usually younger children (up to age 13) may only leave school at certain permitted times, under supervision, and with the house master/mistress's permission. Older children may leave at certain times without permission.
Discipline
Corporal punishment is now illegal in all schools.
Schools adopt various sanctions against children who break the school rules. The most common punishments are as follows:
Detention: the child is required to do supervised academic work or community service for periods of 30 minutes or more during time when they would otherwise be free, e.g. during the lunch hour (after the meal) or after the school day has finished. This is normally used for infringements such as lack of effort in class or minor misbehaviour.
Internal suspension: the child attends all lessons but in their free time must undertake community service and miss any extra-curricular activities such as sport. The child may also have to report to the Head at specified times. This may last for a week and is used for a serious breach of school rules (e.g. the possession or consumption of alcohol) or persistent bad behaviour.
Suspension: the child may be asked to leave the school for a short period. In the case of a child from overseas they will be required to stay with their guardian family. This is not a holiday, and may disrupt the child's academic work; it would be used for a very serious breach of school rules such as bullying.
Expulsion: in extreme cases such as the possession of illegal drugs or sexual relationships, a child may be asked to leave the school altogether. There is no refund of school fees.