Caldicot School Launches Weekend Detention amid Reform Push

A Monmouthshire school has implemented two-hour Saturday morning detentions as part of its strategy to address behavioural concerns.

Caldicot School, which faced staff strikes in 2023 due to pupil abuse, will begin the new measure this weekend with six pupils required to attend.

Acting head teacher Alun Ebenezer explained: “I have to travel nearly an hour to get here on Saturday and I don’t want to be there. This is the next step to have to come in on a Saturday morning.”

“Everybody I talk to wants young people to behave and that doesn’t just happen, you have to put things in place, but all we seem to get is a backlash,” he added.

The school’s comprehensive behaviour policy includes other measures such as supervised litter picking, table cleaning for vandalism cases, and parental classroom supervision where necessary.

Education watchdog Estyn has noted improvements in staff morale and pupil behaviour since Mr Ebenezer’s appointment, though the school still requires “significant improvement.”

Parents have been informed that while travel arrangements should be considered, any inconvenience will not exempt pupils from attendance. Failure to attend will result in exclusion.