Parents plan ‘rebel ball’ as college bans students from end-of-year party

Disgruntled parents have banded together to organize a ‘rebel ball’ event as their children are banned from going to real work. Bodmin College has told several students they are not allowed to attend their prom just weeks before it takes place.

The secondary school and sixth form, part of the Cornwall Education Learning Trust (CELT), sent a letter confirming that any of its pupils who did not have sufficient attendance – or had too many ‘behaviour points’ – would see invitations revoked.

Angry parents, however, say it’s not fair to rob their children of their meaningful night and have banded together to plan a separate event for all children who were banned from attending. Dubbed the ‘rebel prom night’, parents raised more than £700 to organize the alternative party.

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Samantha Church, who started a fundraiser for the event, said she was “absolutely disgusted” by Bodmin College when she learned of the decision last month. She said: “Four weeks before the Year 11 prom and halfway through their GCSEs (the school) sent emails to certain students saying they were not invited to their prom.

“If they have below 92 percent attendance or more than ten behavior points (which they hand out as smart), then they are not invited! Since when did it become their role to punish our children/us instead of celebrating their achievements and efforts? “

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“Bodmin College and Cornwall Education Learning Trust should be ashamed of themselves,” she continued. “I am absolutely devastated for my daughter and the other children.”

After huge support from fellow parents and students in the same position, she started a fundraising page to hold a separate event so these children don’t miss out. The page states: “We want to host an inclusive prom celebration for teenagers currently taking GCSEs at Bodmin College.

“They all deserve to be celebrated for their achievements and any money kindly donated will go towards any additional extras we haven’t been donated by the community.” Supporters who donated to the cause said it was “a disgrace” to exclude certain children. Suzette said: “I hope everyone is having a fantastic time.”

Another said: “Well done to the Bodmin community, let’s hope all the year 11s have a great time wherever they celebrate, hopefully this will encourage Bodmin College to change their prom policy for working children next year.”

Alec Church said: “These students have missed out on so much throughout their high school life, let’s give them a night to remember! Well done to the committee of this group and Bodmin for organizing this event!”

In response to Bodmin College’s decision not to allow certain students to go to the prom, one person said: “Segregating children in this way is absolutely wrong. I hate to think how damaging it would be to their sanity to be forced to miss such events. a big milestone.”

Another added: “This has happened to our children and I am horrified. It is totally wrong and discrimination. They base five years of schoolwork and effort on two months just before exams, when all 16-year-olds are very stressed. anyway, it’s just a power trip for a ridiculous reason.”

A school spokesman said: “As is normal practice in secondary schools, the school prom is a privilege dependent on attendance and good behaviour. The vast majority of our students have met these requirements and will be attending the event later this month.

“However, there are a small number of pupils whose behavior or attendance has not been in line with set expectations and will therefore not be allowed to join the occasion. This has been communicated to all Year 11 students, parents and carers prior to the Event.

“While we understand this may be upsetting for some families, we continue to respect school policies and celebrate the hard work and achievements of students who have supported our high standards and expectations.”

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