Mum's fury as boy banned from school leavers' prom

A mum has criticised her son's high school after he was banned from attending the school prom. As with most secondary schools, Year 11 pupils at Co-op Academy Walkden will soon be attending their leavers prom, marking the end of their time at high school.

But not all pupils get to attend, with schools often barring youngsters based on their behaviour. Mum Tammy Ward says her son has been stopped from going to his prom next week because of 'menial matters' and says it's unfair.

"My son has been excluded from attending for arriving to school 10 minutes late and wearing a jacket over his blazer," she said. "I’m really upset with the school as a prom is where friends get together to celebrate five years of school and friendships.

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"The school is a Co-op Academy, which means they live by the Co-op values - do the right thing, show we care etc, and I feel that this is certainly not the case and in fact the decision to exclude him is social isolation.

"My son has a good heart and is a good kid, he was being badgered by teachers on his behaviour whilst doing his GCSEs, at a time that is really stressful for kids. I really feel like they weren’t nurturing an environment for him to be the best he can be. To isolate children for such menial matters just doesn’t feel right."

The Salford school, which has already made headlines this week with a change to its uniform policy, says it's a 'privilege' to be able to attend prom, which this year takes place on Thursday, July 4, with around 200 students expected to attend.

Matt Hacker, principal at Co-op Academy Walkden, said: "Regarding attendance at prom, we cannot comment on individual cases. However, prom is a privilege and reward for students.

"We make our expectations to be able to attend clear from the beginning of the year. Unfortunately, a minority of students' behaviour in the months leading up to prom means that they have not met our expectations for allowing prom attendance."

For those who are allowed to attend prom, the school is going all out to help make sure their attendance isn't an issue, by helping to provide those all-important outfits. It's been working with Step into Action, inside Linnyshaw Mill, which has hundreds of pre-loved prom outfits which have been donated.

Families can book an appointment for a one-hour prom experience at the shop's Prom Hub, which is open 10am to 1pm on Saturday and 10am to 2pm Tuesday to Thursday. Find out more on the Salford Step into Action Facebook page.