Jane Deith

A pupil at Outwood Grange Academy spent over half an academic year in an isolation booth, one of 23 students placed in isolation for more than 20% of school days. Freedom of Information data and student accounts highlight concerns over zero‑tolerance discipline practices in schools across England. Former students describe strict booth rules, limited work, and frequent penalties. Critics argue such policies can harm mental health, with a separate case at Ivybridge Community College involving a student whose parents link his suicide partly to harsh disciplinary measures. School trusts defend isolation as effective for improving behaviour, while investigations and inquests continue into their impact on student wellbeing.