Ormesby School headteacher blames water fights for bottled water ban

A headteacher has blamed water fights for a ban on selling bottled water in school - despite the complaints of students.

Ormesby School was rated “inadequate” by Ofsted last week, but the education watchdog hailed new head Lynn James for bringing “exceptionally strong leadership” and setting it onto the “path of improvement”.

But in an email to the Gazette, a Year 11 student who claims to be writing on behalf of his fellow students, claimed that water bottles had been “banned” in the school and that older children are being “punished” for the behaviour of those younger then them.

The student wrote: “We were threatened that if we are seen with water bottles, they will be confiscated and if we refused to hand them over, punishment will ensue.

“They expect 800 kids to use eight water fountains, three of which are crammed with gum and all which are horrendously unhygienic.

“The school has not only prohibited water, but they have refused to sell and have it on the premises to buy.”

The student also said that water from the fountains tastes chlorinated “like a public swimming pool”, and that a lack of water would hinder their attempts to attain good grades in forthcoming exams.

Katie Lunn

Lynn James, Sir Michael Wilkins, and Rob Tarn

Speaking to the Gazette, Mrs James explained the school had stopped selling bottled water since she arrived.

She said: “We had a few incidents where kids were being silly with water and I said I wouldn’t sell the water in response, until they were being sensible with the water.

“When I feel that we can, we will sell the bottles again.

“There are 10 water fountains around the place and they are in very good condition.

“Children can bring their own water bottles in and of course, we give children water - there are water mugs and cups available at lunch and break time.”

She added water would only be confiscated from a pupil seen misusing it by squirting it out of the bottle, as has been witnessed on several occasions.

“Pupils are also able to take an unlabelled bottle of water into the exam room and pupils can take bottled water into their lessons.”

Mrs James - - who was appointed in September along with a new deputy Alex Howe and assistant head Karen Pritchard - last week outlined to The Gazette seven points upon which the school will focus to turn itself around and improve on the ‘inadequate’ rating within seven weeks.

They are: Leadership with vision and efficacy; Quality in the classroom; Curriculum; Systematic monitoring and intervention; Systems, protocols and processes; Continuous professional development; and Praising staff and students.