AN angry mum has likened a Wiltshire primary school to a North Korean prison camp after it introduced a new strict set of disciplinary rules and routines.

The worried parent – who does not wish to be named for fear of reprisals – says she is “completely terrified” by the new regime at Studley Green Primary School in Trowbridge to enable teachers to discipline pupils.

She has raised concerns over the new system – dubbed the Studley Green Code by headteacher Sarah Garbutt – after her child again came home from school in tears.

The new rules include making pupils walk with their hands behind their backs and teachers asking them to raise their arms on demand 20-30 times a day at any time, including play breaks.

She added: “As my child came home today again in tears, I have decided to do some research about what is going on.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

“I found an article about Harnham Junior School in Salisbury where parents have complained and compared the school to North Korean camp. The same thing is happening to the Studley Green Primary School in Trowbridge.

“Not only do the children in Year 6 now have to serve all the other children at lunch, sometimes even missing the chance to finish their own lunch, but they are missing all the play outside.

“They must walk everywhere with their hands behind their back, with an upright position, and if they don't, they are being punished.

“The most appalling rule I have heard from my child is what I can only compare to the Nazi salute. Apparently, throughout the day, about 20 to 30 times, a teacher begins to put their hand up, and all the other students must do the same.

“Then they must keep their hand up for as long as the teacher requires, while completely silent, they are not allowed to speak. This happens in assembly, at lunch, outside, inside the class, during lessons. etc.

“This has completely terrified me and I cannot help being very afraid for the future and the freedom of the children who are forced to follow these rules.”

Headteacher Ms Garbutt said the school’s new behavioural policy had been introduced in September following Department of Education advice.

Called ‘Fantastic Walking’, ‘Fantastic Listening’ and ‘Family Lunch’ the expected behaviours use a green, amber and red traffic light system.

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She added: “Our aim, as written in the policy, 'is for the school to always be a safe environment in which all pupils can learn and reach their full potential.' 

“Children walking with their hands behind their back ensures that they are able to walk calmly without contact between each other.

“The request for the children to raise their arms is one that has been used for decades in many schools. This is an effective way to gain their attention quickly and calmly without using a raised voice.

“Finally, both the Year 5 and 6 children do help at lunchtime to serve the food, however they do not miss any play time.

“It has created a 'family feel' and has allowed deeper bonds to be formed within the school. It has allowed the children to develop qualities such as empathy and responsibility, one of our school values.

“Studley Green Primary School is a happy and welcoming school and, since the introduction of the behaviour policy in September 2022 the atmosphere has been even more calm and purposeful.

“We encourage collaboration with parents and carers and encourage them to come and talk to us if they have any questions or concerns.”