Dear Parent/Carer
Re: Tik Tok trend – school protests.
I am writing to you to express my concern about a recent trend on TikTok that is causing disruption and concern in schools across the country, including some in our area. The trend in question involves students organising protests or events within school premises, often resulting in significant disruption to learning and the need for some schools to call in police for assistance.
Whilst we are not aware of any specific protests that are planned at The Leigh Academy we are aware of videos circulating that are seeking to incite such protests, hence the need for me to write to you today.
I want to stress that these types of protests can be very dangerous, not only for those involved but also for others who may be caught up in the disruption. We take the safety and well-being of our students very seriously, and any activity that may put this at risk will not be tolerated. Please be aware that any student who takes part in such activities will face sanctions in line with the academy’s behaviour policy and if warranted, we will not hesitate to involve the police if necessary if there is any violent conduct or conduct that causes damage to academy property.
I urge you to please talk to your children about the serious consequences of engaging in such activities and to encourage them to find more appropriate and safe ways to express their opinions and concerns through the existing student voice channels within our academy. One such opportunity is through our student voice, which provides a platform for students to share their opinions and ideas with the school leadership team. Our student voice representatives meet regularly with senior staff to discuss student concerns, share feedback and suggestions, and collaborate on initiatives and events.
In addition, we hold regular student discussions in tutor time and other lessons such as Healthy Minds lessons, where students have the opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, and offer feedback. We also have dedicated Student Services Managers and College teams who work closely with students, providing them with the support they need to succeed academically and personally.
It is our sincere hope that with your support our students do not take part in such activities and this trend passes quickly. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Together, we can work to ensure that our academy remains a place of learning and growth for all our students.
Yours sincerely
Julia Collins | Principal
