The prom for Year 11 students at Lord Lawson of Beamish Academy in Birtley was brought to an end ‘almost two hours’ early following a series of alleged incidents, with a police probe now launched
An end-of-year school prom was abruptly ended “almost two hours” early after “violence involving students” and “aggressive behaviour towards venue staff” by parents. The incidents were outlined in a letter to parents by Lord Lawson of Beamish Academy in in Birtley’s principal, Dr Andrew Fowler, which was published online on July 11.
Dr Fowler confirmed that there is currently an active police investigation underway. The prom took place on the evening of Friday, July 10. Dr Fowler stated that the year 11 students’ prom had been shut down at the request of the venue’s management. This decision was made after the prom meal, dancing, and photo opportunities, reports Chronicle Live.
The head’s letter also highlighted allegations of damage to parts of the venue, including the toilets. He noted that the venue’s management had indicated that the school would be held responsible for the costs associated with the damage – and added that anyone identified as culpable would be held “fully accountable”.
He wrote: “The decision to end the event almost two hours before its scheduled finish followed several serious incidents during the evening.
“These included violence involving students, aggressive behaviour towards venue staff by some parents and repeated damage to the venue, particularly within the girls’ toilets.
“Throughout the evening, school staff worked closely and professionally with venue staff to address concerns and prevent the event from being ended.
“Staff presence and extra vigilance was increased in problem areas to quickly control the situation, but despite this, a minority of students continued to cause damage in areas school staff and venue staff could not monitor, such as inside toilet cubicles.”
The headmaster further stated that the decision to shut down the event had been made “solely” by the venue’s management – putting school staff in a “particularly difficult position”.
He added: “All safeguarding procedures were adhered to, messages were sent out to parents and carers immediately, and school staff remained onsite until all students had safely left.
“This is an extremely disappointing situation. What should have been a celebration of our Year 11 students’ achievements and the culmination of their time at school was overshadowed by the unacceptable actions of a small number of individuals.”
Dr Fowler revealed that a police investigation had been initiated and discussions between the school and the prom venue were ongoing.
He concluded: “I would like to thank the overwhelming majority of our Year 11 students, parents and carers whose conduct throughout the evening reflected positively on both themselves and our school community. I also wish to place on record my sincere gratitude to the staff who gave up their personal time to organise, supervise and support the event.
“It is deeply regrettable that the actions of a small minority resulted in an evening that should have been remembered positively ending in such disappointing circumstances.”