Leavers’ ball cancellation sparks debate

Hundreds have had their say about the cancellation of the Cults Academy leavers’ ball. The Aberdeen bash was called off after the head teacher was allegedly “egged” by pupils on their last day.

Students had been due to celebrate the end of their school days with a bash at Ardoe House Hotel.

But head teacher David Barnett wrote to parents outlining his decision to cancel the party.

He said that despite having “often argued that the majority should not suffer because of the actions of a minority”, he was left with little choice.

Mr Barnett said he had offered the guilty the chance to come forward. However, no pupil did so.

Many thought the head teacher was justified in his actions.

One reader, taking advantage of our new commenting facility, under the name Paradyce, said it showed “strong leadership” and was evidence of “why Cults is not a failing school”.

On Facebook, reader Colleen Wilson said: “Well done to the head. Kids need to learn respect for others.

“They had the chance to redeem the situation and come forward but they haven’t. So rather than pointing anger at the teachers, point it towards those who think throwing eggs at people is acceptable.”

Emma Grant said: “It’s not very fair on the head teacher, just coming into his work to get eggs pelted at him. In no other workplace would it be acceptable to have eggs thrown at you.”

Jacqueline Spence said she was “amazed people think it’s okay to egg anyone, let alone your head teacher”.

Sandy Stott said: “Absolutely the correct decision. They are not kids, they are old enough to vote.”

Several others spoke out in support of the head, with some pointing to the implications of an egg potentially hitting an eye.

However, just as many were critical of the head teacher’s decision to cancel the ball.

Ian Anderson questioned whether collective punishment was “really the sort of lesson in how to manage people that the city council wish their head teachers to be giving out?”

Chelsea Osgood described it as “a terrible decision which the school, teaching staff and parent council will hopefully look back on with deep regret.”

Lauren Bruce said: “Punishing the entire year group and depriving them of their leavers’ ball because of a small minority is unfair.”

Wendy Reith said: “As a parent of a S6 pupil, I’m absolutely livid that all pupils are being punished for the actions of some.”

Karen Martin said: “Sounds like the head has enjoyed the ‘Covid years’ a bit too much and is quite happy for school leavers to miss out on any special ceremony once again.”

And Denise Sanders said: “Where’s the head’s sense of humour? He should have joined in and egged them back.”

It is understood the pupils are now trying to arrange their own ball.

Aberdeen City Council said the incident had been reported to police and it would be inappropriate to comment further.

The school was named best in the north and northeast in our league tables.

JUST YOLKING? Cults Academy called off a leavers’ ball after an alleged “egging”.