Pupil ‘removed’ over video
School takes action after student shares ‘sickening’ footage on social media
A student has been removed from a Bath school after an “inappropriate” and “prejudicial” video was shared on social media.
The Bath Chronicle has been made aware of video that appears to show a student being subjected to racist taunts by another pupil.
It is understood the footage had circulated to pupils at another school in the city via the social media network Snapchat.
One person who saw the video said they were “truly sickened” by its content.
Beechen Cliff School said a pupil has been “permanently removed” from the school and that social media companies have been asked to take down the video if it appears online.
Avon and Somerset Police have also been informed of the incident and video, the school said.
In a statement Alun Williams, the CEO of the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership, of which Beechen Cliff is a member, said other students alerted staff to the video after it was circulated.
Mr Williams said he was “proud” of the swift actions from other students in recognising the video to be wrong.
He went on to say that it signifies a “change of culture” within the school.
Mr Williams said: “On Saturday night a boarder at Beechen Cliff made and shared on social media a deeply inappropriate video. Other students saw this video and reported its content to staff who acted quickly to take it down from social media and respond to the incident. The pupil was removed from the boarding house and yesterday was permanently removed from the school.
“We are very proud of the actions of the students at Beechen Cliff in recognising the content of the video as prejudicial and bravely reporting it. The swift action by students and staff demonstrates the changed culture at the school where pupils are challenged about inappropriate views.
“I am deeply impressed that the boys and girls at the school, and the boys within the boarding facility, feel able to challenge and report actions and behaviours that go against the school’s values, code of conduct and expectations as good wellrounded young people. This type of action confirms the ‘good’ grading the boarding facility received in March of this year from Ofsted.
“All social media platforms have been notified to remove footage and the police have been informed.”
In July 2018, the school was rated as inadequate by Ofsted after inspectors found leaders’ responses to a “recent serious safeguarding incident (had) been insufficient and too slow”.
“In addition, leaders did not tell inspectors about a recent racially motivated incident,” inspectors said.
The school had previously been rated outstanding.
Last year, Beechen Cliff head teacher Andrew Davies spoke candidly about how the school coped with the incident and its aftermath and how it is moving on.
❝ The swift action by students and staff demonstrates the changed culture at the school where pupils are challenged about inappropriate views Alun Williams