Frome Community College in Somerset has drawn parental criticism after its interim principal suspended 25 pupils in the first week of term amid a drive to enforce strict discipline. Dan Jeffries, who began his role this academic year, defended the suspensions as necessary responses to persistent disruptive behavior.

The school, which serves approximately 1,400 students, recorded a total of 20 suspension days during the opening week, with some pupils receiving multiple-day suspensions. Jeffries emphasized that the measures targeted a small minority whose conduct repeatedly interfered with classroom activity. He added that suspensions were reserved for cases involving defiance that disrupted school operations, rather than for minor issues such as uniform infractions or lateness.

However, several parents expressed concern about the school’s approach, describing it as overly harsh and likening the environment to a “military base.” Natalie Morris, whose daughter has special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), said her child was suspended early in the term for “nervously laughing” in response to unfamiliar surroundings and new peers. Morris criticized the policy for not accommodating pupils with additional needs, calling the suspension a significant setback.

Other parents reported similar experiences, citing suspensions or punishments for relatively minor behaviors including being late by a minute, making noise when handling belongings, or even looking out of a window. Ann-Marie Ramsey, another parent of a SEND student, said her daughter was sent to a “reset room” for fidgeting or lack of focus, which she viewed as overly punitive. Some parents also complained about strict enforcement of rules relating to hair and nail color.

Not all families at Frome Community College have objected to the disciplinary measures. Liz Halliwell said she supported the principal’s efforts to reinforce rules, provided the policies were applied fairly and consistently. Film and media teacher Seth Lavington defended the regime, describing the routines as necessary to foster a productive learning environment. Conversely, sixth-form student Liam Backhurst criticized some suspension reasons as “outrageous.”

Jeffries acknowledged the challenges some pupils faced in readjusting to school life after the summer break but maintained that the school’s responsibility was to ensure an interruption-free education for all. He stressed the importance of balancing support for individual students with the need to protect the learning environment for the broader pupil body.