The Priory School in Edgbaston last week saw students engaging in a TikTok trend that involved bringing “paint pellet guns” to celebrate the end of their Year 11 exams. Headmaster Jonathan Cramb condemned the incident as “unauthorised and completely unacceptable activities.” Now, two mothers have expressed their intentions to withdraw their children from the school and have demanded a refund of the fees they have paid.
One of the mothers, who has two sons attending the school, claimed one of her boys had been previously attacked and cited their children’s safety as the primary reason for their decision to leave. In response to the TikTok challenge, she expressed her disgust, saying: “It’s disgusting. We’re spending thousands of pounds on their education, and now another incident has taken place, and the school is not understanding how severe this is.”
According to the concerned mother, the combined cost of her children’s education at Priory School amounts to £25,000 per year. Although the fees were initially paid by a family member, she has come to the conclusion that it is no longer worth it.
She expressed disappointment in the school’s lack of support for her child, saying: “He is academically falling below. He is below average in his exam results. The school has not supported me. Are they going to refund our money?”
Another parent echoed these sentiments, stating many parents have already withdrawn their children from the school due to its apparent decline in standards.
They said: “They are losing a lot of their brilliant students which is a shame. The school has gone downhill. It no longer has the standards of a private school.”
A video sent to Birmingham Live showed a group of approximately six children holding smoke bombs and throwing flour at each other. One youngster appeared to be holding the alloy of a car wheel in the footage, while police officers were also present at the scene.
In a letter to parents, Headmaster Jonathan Cramb addressed the incident, reassuring them that it was a “misguided ‘end-of-examinations’ prank” and appropriate sanctions had been imposed after a thorough investigation. He emphasised that such behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated within the school community.
Mr Cramb declined to respond to requests for comment as to whether parents had asked for refunds, however he said the safety of pupils was a priority.
Mr Cramb added: “This unprecedented incident has been promptly investigated by senior members of staff with the appropriate sanctions administered. School staff remain in open consultation with appropriate external agencies, and we are grateful to West Midlands Police for their ongoing support with this matter.
“It is important there is a shared understanding about the risks associated with the trends young people are being encouraged to participate in to gain popularity through likes and follows. As a school, we will be reinforcing these important messages through the curriculum, assemblies and classroom-based discussions.”
The Priory School, known for its “outstanding” Ofsted rating and state-of-the-art sporting facilities, has a long-standing reputation in the area. With a history dating back to 1936, the school boasts 14 acres of wooded gardens and grounds, including a full-sized football pitch. Parents looking to enroll their children in years nine to 13 at The Priory School can expect to pay £5,450 per term, which includes a £500 acceptance fee.
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