School takes away girls’ mirrors to stop them wearing make-up

Girls in years nine to 11, aged 14 to 16, were told that as they had not adhered to a “discreet” make-up rule, the practice was being banned altogether.

As the new school year starts, teachers at Shelley College have been given make-up removal kits and nail varnish remover to clamp down on rebellious teens.

Girls are checked for make-up every day and are threatened with isolation if they refuse to take it off.

But the older girls at the school are up in arms. One 16-year-old, who did not want to be named, said: “The ban is just ridiculous and the school is going to extreme lengths to stop us wearing make-up.

“The school says it affects our education but it doesn’t. I just put some mascara and foundation on at 7.30am and don’t touch it until I get home.

“We do it for our own confidence. We have to do presentations and I don’t want to stand up in front of the class without make-up on.

“It’s just to hide our insecurities. We know school is not a fashion show.”

The girl said mirrors were initially boarded up by vigilant staff, but because girls had uncovered them again they have been removed altogether during the holidays.

She said students and parents had written to the school but had not received an explanation for the ban.

Head teacher John McNally said: “Shelley College reviewed its uniform and make-up policy in the spring term of this year, seeking ways to make it clearer for students.

“In doing so, we asked for the views of staff, parents and students, as well as comparing ourselves to other schools.

“Although there were a variety of views, there was a clear majority in favour of tightening up. In particular, we have removed the right to wear ‘discreet’ make-up, which proved to be ambiguous.

“Sadly a small minority of students were flouting the rules and we have now made it clearer that students in years nine to 11 are not permitted to wear make-up. The vast majority of parents and students are very supportive of this change.

“We removed the mirrors from toilets as a temporary measure because, sadly, a small number of students were spending too long in there at lunchtimes which was putting other students off using the facilities.

“Again, this measure has considerable support from many of the students and has allowed staff to focus on their proper jobs.

“We have just enjoyed outstanding success in recent examinations, with 75 per cent of our students passing five good GCSEs including English and mathematics.

“This success is not an accident. It is because we expect high standards of our students in all respects, whether that be academic work or the way they behave in college.

“I make no apology for adopting a strict stance on enforcing rules and I know we will receive widespread support from parents and the wider community in our actions.

“Our students are wonderful young people who act with great responsibility for their age. However, it is the nature of teenagers to try to push the boundaries. As adults and professionals it is our role to define boundaries and ensure students respect them.”