How parents and pupils took on ‘cruel’, ‘authoritarian’ schools - and won

The decision by the Athena Learning Trust to disband and transfer its schools to other trusts has sent shockwaves through the education sector. The extreme disciplinary measures employed at its schools have left a lasting scar on the children who attended them.

Stories of students like Amelia, who was forced to avoid drinking water for fear of needing to use the toilet during lessons, are stark reminders that the pursuit of discipline can sometimes cross into cruelty. Athena’s secondary schools, which catered to over 6,500 children, were plagued by strict rules and punitive measures. Pupils were limited in their ability to visit the toilet during classes, with some being sent to detention for minor infractions like looking out of the window.

More than 500 children have left Athena schools over the past three years to be educated at home. For many, the decision to leave was not just about academics but about their own well-being. The government’s advisor on behavior in schools, Tom Bennett, suggests that pupils soon realize they must meet expectations. However, this approach ignores the very real consequences of punitive practices.

Children like Amelia, who suffered from water infections and kidney scarring due to her fear of using the toilet during lessons, are a testament to the harm caused by such measures. The debate around discipline in schools is not new; it has been simmering for years. Some argue that strict rules can lead to better exam results, but this narrative overlooks the human cost.

The benefits of discipline must be weighed against the potential damage caused by extreme measures. As one former teacher noted, “There’s discipline and then there is being oppressed.” We must ask ourselves: what kind of education are we providing when our children feel more like prisoners than learners?

The Athena Learning Trust’s decision to disband may be seen as a victory for parents and pupils who campaigned against its practices. However, it also raises questions about the accountability of academy trusts and their governance structures. With over 80% of secondary schools in England now run by multi-academy trusts like Athena, how can we ensure that such extreme measures are not repeated elsewhere?

As the education sector grapples with the legacy of Athena’s disciplinary policies, one thing is clear: a more nuanced approach to discipline is needed. One that balances expectations with empathy and understanding. The children who attended Athena schools deserve better than to be treated like prisoners; they deserve an education that values their well-being above all else.

The future of education in England requires re-examining priorities. We must ask ourselves: what kind of education do we want to provide? One that is focused on discipline and punishment, or one that values the well-being and creativity of our children? The answer is not a simple one, but as we move forward, let us remember the stories of students like Amelia, and the lessons they teach us about the importance of compassion and empathy in education.