School criticised for ‘tough love’ staff recruitment advert

A secondary school has been called “shameful” and from a “Dickensian novel” for advertising a job for an employee to give their pupils “tough love”.

Towers School in Ashford, Kent is looking for “a strong disciplinarian” to lead the school’s behaviour correction centre to discipline pupils and ensure they remain obedient.

The role, which the school believes will help to shape pupils into the best version of themselves, would involve organising detentions, having one-to-ones with pupils and communicating with parents.

The job ad, posted on the school’s website, said the role is not suitable for “a would-be counsellor or someone who wants to be every child’s best friend”.

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However, local childhood experts and parents at the school have dubbed the advert “shameful.”

Deputy head teacher Rob Gaygan defended the advert and said “We are strict because we care.”

The ad read: “If you believe in strong discipline, no excuses and that children should be respectful and obedient at all times then this may be the role for you.

“The role is suitable for a strong disciplinarian who believes that a culture of excellent behaviour and respect is crucial to the development of children and central to maximising their life chances.

“This role is for someone who believes children need clear, firm discipline.

“This role is for someone who believes tough love is what children need to become better people and grow into responsible young adults.”

The full-time role was described as pivotal to the school’s progression and offered an annual salary of around £25,000.

Child welfare speaker and trainer Lisa Cherry tweeted: “This is in Kent. This is shameful. This advert is talking about children written by people who know nothing about children and young people.”

But deputy head Mr Gaygan stood by the school’s decision to advertise for the role and said: “We’ve never been more sure that we are doing the right thing for our staff, for our community and most most importantly, every pupil.”

Twitter user Dr Kelly said: “If I were a parent I’d avoid Towers School in Kent! Tough love! Behaviour correction centre! Job description reads like a Dickensian novel.”

Rose Annie Flo said: “More Terrifying ‘Behaviour Correction Centre Lead’ post at Towers School in Kent. Need willingness to ‘own the job’, deliver ‘tough love’ and ensure the ‘behaviour correction centre’ is an effective deterrent. No teaching quals & no experience required.”

In support of the new role, StuartLock tweeted: “This is a school I would send my children to. Good on them for having high expectations.”

Another added: “Behaviour is key to learning. You have to support students in their endeavour. There is nothing inherently wrong with this position.”