A SCHOOL has been criticised for issuing its students with ‘impossibly strict’ criteria before they will be allowed to the end of year prom.

Outwood Academy in Shafton, has come under fire from parents who claim the school’s end-of-year celebration for leavers has missed the point.

The event, which will take place on June 28, has resulted in a tick-list being issued to year 11 students who must complete each task in order to attend.

To qualify for a place, students have to attend 36 after school sessions in English, maths and science; attend seven other subjects’ after school activities; complete three maths holiday packs; attend three weekend or holiday sessions and have attendance above 95 per cent since January 8.

One parent, who did not wish to be named, told the Chronicle their son is a year 11 student and criticised the school for being too strict.

“Year 11 is already hard enough for students, many who feel pressure like they’ve never felt before. Adding to their stress just isn’t fair.

“When I was showed the guidelines I thought it was a joke at first. What world do we live in where our youngsters have to qualify for their own prom?

“It’s elitist and there’ll be hardly anyone there. A leavers’ prom should be about marking the end of their time at the school, a celebration of the hard work they’ve put in.

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“I understand banning students who have perhaps been excluded in the run-up to the prom or those who have been in trouble throughout their time at the school, but to stop students from attending just because they haven’t done enough after school sessions isn’t fair.”

The school’s principal, Cara Ackroyd, said guidelines have always been issued to students whose prom is approaching.

“Prom is a special evening where we celebrate and reward the huge amount of extra effort that year 11 have to put in to be successful,” she said.

“There have always been guidelines around what is expected of students in the run-up to the all-important examinations.

“Not only do these guidelines ensure that the event remains a celebration of the extra effort and work that year 11 students put in throughout the year, but will also ensure that every individual student’s life chances are maximised before they leave us for the next stage of their education, employment or training.”