Caldicot School in Monmouthshire, recently appointed head teacher Alun Ebenezer, has introduced a range of strict disciplinary measures aimed at reinforcing firm boundaries within the school.

Appointed following a period marked by teacher strikes over classroom violence, Mr. Ebenezer has instituted policies that include requiring parents to attend lessons if their child misbehaves and imposing detentions on the same day or on Saturdays.

Under Welsh regulations, detentions held outside normal school hours require parents to be given 24 hours’ notice in writing.

Mr. Ebenezer has stated that the school’s approach is intended to counter what he describes as a culture of overprotectiveness and to prevent the ‘mollycoddling’ of students.

While most parents are reportedly supportive of the new behaviour policy introduced in September, between twenty and thirty families have expressed objections, with some choosing to remove their children from the school.

Additional measures include strict enforcement of uniform standards and daily monitoring of pupils' appearance.

Education inspectors from Estyn have acknowledged improvements in student behaviour at Caldicot School, although they noted that further work is needed in areas such as attendance, safeguarding, and skill development.

Senior staff have observed changes in the school’s culture, and some pupils have commented that while the policies are strict, they appear to be effective.

A spokesperson for the Welsh government emphasized that all schools must provide a safe learning environment and that detention policies are determined at the school level.

The government is also working with education partners on initiatives, including a planned National Behaviour Summit, to address broader issues of student behaviour.