Kentish Express Ashford & District
Outrage as school tells its sixth-formers to ‘suck it up’
Criticism of ‘disgusting’ email aimed at cutting A-level class absence
An Ashford grammar school has come under fire for telling pupils to “suck it up” and get to school.
An email was sent out to Norton Knatchbull School A-level students last week warning them not to miss lessons.
The message said staff are becoming increasingly concerned over the number of absences due to illness.
It reads: “Whilst we all have genuine reasons and illnesses in our lives – being hot, feeling slightly faint, headaches, tummy aches and generally feeling slightly ‘low’ are not excuses to miss crucial lessons.”
The email is signed off with a meme – a humorous image that is spread rapidly by internet users – that says “suck it up cupcake… Deal with it like the mature adult you think you are.” One parent said she is outraged with the note because it undermines students suffering from depression, anxiety and panic attacks.
Another parent said students are already under so much pressure at school and telling them to suck it up is “outrageous”.
Another mum said the email was “absolutely disgusting from a school”. Head teacher Susanne Staab said the school has addressed the situation with sixth-form students and the parents who approached them.
She said: “There was an email that went to students by the head of sixth form, Jenny Tomkins, and the intention was to remind the students of the high standard of attendance that we expect.
“The intention was not to offend, but unfortunately it has offended a couple of people and some parents have made their feelings known to us.
“But parents do feel that their child is very well supported and we feel we give a lot of support for our pupils’ welfare.
“We are obviously very sorry that it caused any offence and the head of sixth form has sent out another email explaining where she was coming from.”
Mrs Staab explained that the school has a programme of support throughout the year, including access to counselling.
She said: “The school takes its students’ welfare, including mental wellbeing, very seriously.
“We have a strong pastoral support team in place which is dedicated to the welfare of all our students.
“When reviewing attendance, the school always ensures that special circumstances and medical conditions, including mental health, are taken into account.
“The school is proud of the excellent attendance its students generally maintain and monitors this regularly to ensure that these high standards are maintained. The school would like to apologise for any offence caused by this email.”
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‘The school takes its students’ welfare, including mental wellbeing, very seriously’
Right, the email sent out to A-level students