A Colchester school has found itself at the centre of playground drama after introducing a strict “no physical contact” rule – and parents are not keeping quiet.
Philip Morant School brought in the policy at the start of term following what it described as a rise in “overly physical behaviour”. But some parents claim pupils have received detentions for seemingly innocent gestures such as hugging or high-fiving their friends.
The backlash soon gathered pace, with an online petition warning that banning “normal, consensual physical interaction” could affect pupils’ emotional wellbeing. Some parents were reportedly furious after students learned about the new expectations during a school assembly.
Now, the school appears ready to soften its stance. Head teacher Stephanie Neill said staff are working with student leaders to develop clearer guidelines around appropriate and consensual contact, with revised behaviour expectations expected later in the term.
Neill insisted that safety remains the priority for the school’s 1,900 pupils. She said the original rule followed disruptive and potentially unsafe behaviour during the previous term, while praising students for responding “brilliantly” to the changes.
At the same time, she acknowledged that pupils want positive ways to greet and interact with their friends. In other words, the high-five may not be history just yet.
The controversy echoes a similar episode in Chelmsford in 2023, when another school appeared to retreat from guidance saying it did not tolerate contact such as hugging or holding hands.
For now, all eyes are on Philip Morant School’s review – and on whether hugs and high-fives will make their official comeback.
