AIM & GENERAL PRINCIPLES

1. Aim. The aim of these rules is to provide clear direction to Senior School pupils about matters of principle, routine and general behaviour.
2. Principles. The principles on which the rules are based are as follows:

1. mutual consideration, respect and courtesy among all members of the School community.
2. a sense of responsibility in all pupils.
3. respect by pupils for instructions given by staff.
4. respect for the property of individuals, the School and the estate.
5. support for the effective running of the School.

3. Code of Conduct. A code of conduct underpinning these principles is also published.

APPLICATION OF RULES

4. Application to Pupils.

1. The rules apply to all pupils when under the responsibility of the School.
2. School Rules apply in Wells and the local area.
3. Pupils are not under the School’s responsibility when they come under the direct supervision of parents or guardians in private settings. However, the School will retain a reasonable interest in and concern about pupils’ behaviour at all times and places, particularly if such behaviour is considered to have a bearing on school life, or the School’s reputation.
4. A consistent approach will be maintained towards all pupils regardless of their boarding or day status or any other distinction.

5. Parental Support and Involvement.

1. Parental support is a vital element in maintaining our School Rules.
2. Serious or persistent breaches of School Rules by pupils will normally lead to consultation with or a letter of information to parents.
3. Parents with enquiries or complaints about the handling of a disciplinary incident or a disciplinary sanction should either discuss the matter directly with the member of staff involved or refer the matter to a higher level of authority.

6. Responsibility of Pupils, Disciplinary Structures, Enquiries and Grievance Procedure.

1. All pupils are under an obligation to abide by School Rules.
2. Disciplinary Structures.

1. Disciplinary structures exist to support School Rules.
2. Pupils are under an obligation to undertake any disciplinary sanctions imposed.
3. Sanctions and their application are the responsibility of the Head Master and, through him, delegated to the Deputy Heads and other senior colleagues. Regular behaviour management reports are made to Governors.
4. Disciplinary incidents will be dealt with in line with our Behaviour Management Policy, initially by the teacher(s), house staff or matron directly involved and will be referred to more senior members of staff as necessary.

3. Enquiries and Grievances. Any pupil with an enquiry about a rule or about the handling of a disciplinary matter or who has a grievance about a disciplinary sanction may refer the matter to their Tutor, house staff or to an appropriate member of staff at the next level of authority.
4. The final arbiter in any case of a pupil’s grievance will be the Head Master or, in exceptional cases, the Chair of Governors.

7. Responsibilities of Staff and Other School Employees.

1. Staff, teachers, house staff and matrons have the responsibility of upholding School Rules.
2. Other School Employees. Other employees should intervene if they observe breaking of School Rules, reporting the matter to a member of staff unless the employee considers the offence sufficiently minor.

8. Supplementary Rules.

1. Additional rules may from time to time be published in letters to parents or within the School.  
2. Supplementary rules exist for pupils in specific areas, such as boarding houses, science laboratories, the Library, the Swimming Pool and other sports facilities
3. Supplementary rules also exist for Choristers.

9. Amendment Procedure.

1. The need may arise to amend sections of these rules. Amendments will be made by the Head Master, in consultation with senior staff colleagues.
2. Amendments will then be published.

DAILY ROUTINE

Daily routine is established to support the aims of the School by providing an appropriate framework for its effective operation.

10. Normal School Hours.

The phrase “normal school hours” occurs at a number of points in these rules. It covers the period from 8.40 am until the end of lessons, after-school activities or school matches for those involved, on Monday to Saturday. After-school activities are those activities which follow on directly from Period 5.

11. Registration of Daily Attendance.

1. General. Pupils must register at all registration sessions, unless they are absent for an authorised reason.
2. Late Registration. Day pupils arriving late must register at Reception.

12. Attendance.

Attendance by pupils at lessons, assemblies, School Cathedral services, tutor group meetings, Games, Activities and PE periods is compulsory.  Pupils who are part of teams, ensembles or other groupings for school activities will also be required to attend practices, rehearsals, matches, concerts or other activities, as determined by staff in charge. Arrangements for circumstances under which absence from School may be authorised are outlined in the next paragraph.

13. Absence from School.

1. Sickness.

Before the start of the school day.

Day Pupils. Parents should complete the Absence Form on the School Portal, or contact the pupil’s Tutor/Matron/School Reception explaining the circumstances by 9.30 am if a pupil is unable to come into school because of sickness.

Boarders. Boarders should report sick to House staff or Matrons.

Sickness arising during normal School hours.

Pupils who are taken unwell during school hours must report immediately to House Matrons or to St Andrew’s Lodge.

2. Other Absences.

Requests for absences from school for other reasons should be made by parents using the Leave Request Form on the School Portal, giving as much notice as conveniently possible. Permission for absences of one day or less will be granted by Heads of Year. Longer or exceptional absences will require permission from the Deputy Head.

The term “absence” does not apply when pupils are involved in school trips or individual university visits (paragraph 16 and 17 refer).

14. Off Games.

1. Illness

Boarders who cannot attend Games, PE or Activities through illness must report to their House Matron or St Andrew’s Lodge. Any absence must be agreed by a member of staff.

Day Pupils who cannot attend Games, PE or Activities through illness must report to their House Matron or St Andrew’s Lodge and parents should be called to collect them.

2. Other Reasons. If a pupil is not too unwell or is injured, they should stay and observe the session. They should report to the lead staff member of the session as usual - a form has been created for some written analysis of the session to keep them motivated/learning/active. Pupils should be marked as ‘off games’ on iSAMS.
3. Music. Absence from Games/Activities/PE for music related reasons must be discussed and agreed with the pupil’s Tutor or music coordinator.

2. Procedure. All decisions must be made by a member of staff and registered on iSAMS for safeguarding purposes.

15. Meals.

1. Boarders should attend all meals. Day pupils should attend lunch Monday to Friday, and Saturday for Year 9 and above..
2. Day pupils must sign in for all meals taken outside school hours, for example, breakfast and supper. Pupils can also be booked in for extra meals using the form on the School Portal.
3. Pupils must observe published timings of meals. Lunchtime Arrangements - if a specific activity necessitates an alternative meal time, a lunch pass must be obtained from the member of staff in charge of that activity or the House Matron. The  should then be presented to staff or Prefects supervising in the Dining Room.

SCHOOL TRIPS AND INDIVIDUAL UNIVERSITY VISITS

Pupils will need to make visits away from School from time to time, either as part of a School trip or on a university visit. It is important that all such trips are properly authorised and that pupils maintain high standards of courtesy and behaviour throughout.

16. School Trips.

1. General. The term “school trip” covers all formally organised expeditions, including concerts, visits and away matches. A designated member of staff will always be in charge and responsible for the authorisation of the trip, for the circulation of attendance lists and of other administrative information, and for the supervision of participating pupils.
2. Clashes. In situations when school trips clash with lessons or other activities, pupils must ask teachers in charge of lessons and other activities for permission to miss the lesson or activity.
3. Rules. School Rules apply on school trips.

17. Individual University Visits.

Sixth Form pupils may need to visit universities or colleges to make choices about higher education. The number of visits must be kept to a reasonable level in order to minimise loss of school time. Requests for absences should be made by parents using the Leave Request Form on the School Portal, giving as much notice as conveniently possible. Pupils should inform their House staff, Tutor and all members of staff whose lessons or activities will be missed out of courtesy.

UNIFORM

The correct wearing of School Uniform or Sixth Form Dress is intended to promote high personal standards of dress and to identify and support pupils’ membership of the School community. School uniform lists and regulations can be found in the School Uniform section on the School Portal or in the relevant handbook.

18. General.

1. School Uniform should be worn:

• By day pupils travelling to and from School.
• In normal school hours. apart from times when sports kit may be worn or when staff give permission for other appropriate forms of dress.
• At all Cathedral services blazers, or jackets for those wearing Sixth Form dress, must be worn.
• At other School events when required.

1. Sixth Form Dress. Regulations for Sixth Form Dress are given on the School Portal. The principles of these rules still apply, with the insertion of “Sixth Form Dress” in place of “school uniform”.
2. Sports Kit

• Sports kit is worn for PE and games lessons and for team fixtures or practices.
• Only school sports kit from the uniform list can be worn at School. Home clothes or other branded kit cannot be worn.
• Pupils may change into sports clothing during morning break (for PE/games in period 3) or the lunch break (for PE/games in periods 4 or 5). Pupils must change out of sports kit immediately after a games or PE period, unless they have a ‘kit pass’ or away fixture permission.
• Clean and respectable sports kit may be worn in the Dining Room.

1. Mixed Dress. Different forms of dress (school uniform, school sports kit, plain clothes) should not be mixed.

19. Regulations.

Regulations for the wearing of school uniform can be found in the School Uniform section on the School Portal or in the relevant handbook, including rules regarding makeup and jewellery, summer and winter wear. A Uniform Sanction will be issued for any pupil breaking the uniform code.

DRINKING, SMOKING, SUBSTANCE ABUSE

The School seeks to protect both individuals and the community as a whole by establishing clear rules about drinking, smoking, illegal drugs and abuse of legal substances and by education about such matters.  Further details can be found in the School’s Alcohol, Drugs Misuse and Smoking Policy.

20. Drinking.

1. Policy. The School does not permit the consumption of alcohol by pupils under School responsibility except in the circumstances outlined below. The School seeks to educate pupils concerning the consumption of alcohol, aiming to encourage a socially-aware, healthy approach.
2. Rules. In addition to legal requirements, no alcoholic drinks may be consumed, purchased or possessed by any pupil under School responsibility except in the circumstances given below:

• Organised Social Events for Sixth Form Pupils. Alcoholic drinks may be provided for Sixth Form under strictly controlled arrangements at certain organised social events. The rules for the quantities and types of drink for different year groups will be made clear by organising staff.
• Visits to Public Houses in Wells by Upper Sixth Form boarders.  Upper Sixth Form boarders over the age of 18 are permitted to visit public houses as specified by their House staff on Saturday evenings during the period 8.00-10.00 pm. Additional concessions may be allowed at the discretion of House staff. Boarders are expected to return to House in a fully controlled manner having been responsible regarding their alcohol consumption.
• Evidence of drinking outside of agreed and supervised situations will be taken seriously. This includes evidence of alcoholic bottles and cans, including empty ones

21. Smoking or Vaping

1. Policy. The School does not permit smoking or vaping by any pupil. It also seeks to educate pupils about health hazards associated with smoking or vaping.
2. Rules.

• Smoking or vaping is not permitted by any pupil under School responsibility or at any School-related event.
• Pupils under school responsibility may not be in possession of cigarettes, tobacco or any material associated with smoking or vaping.
• E-cigarettes and vaping are strictly forbidden at all times and in all places. As a consequence, vaping incurs the same sanctions as smoking.

22. Illegal Drugs and Abuse of Legal Substances.

1. Policy. The School maintains rules forbidding any involvement with illegal drugs and any abuse of legal substances. The School also seeks to educate pupils about the risks associated with illegal drugs and substances. Further policy statements about drugs may be issued from time to time.
2. Rules.

• Illegal Drugs. The possession, use or distribution of illegal drugs by any pupil under School responsibility is forbidden. Any pupil found to be involved is likely to be suspended and be randomly tested thereafter. A second positive test will almost certainly result in the pupil being required to leave the School.  Additionally the School will take any form of disciplinary action considered appropriate in the case of a pupil found to be involved in the possession, use or distribution of illegal drugs, even when not under school responsibility.
• Legal Substances. Involvement with abuse of legal substances is forbidden.

23. Association.

Pupils who are in direct association with other pupils who are involved in any of the activities covered in paragraphs 20-22 above are also likely subject to disciplinary action.

RELATIONS BETWEEN PUPILS

The School seeks to promote respectful, courteous and cooperative relations between all pupils. The paragraphs below cover diverse aspects of pupil relations.

24. Access to Boarders’ Rooms.

1. Day pupils are not allowed to access boarders’ rooms.
2. No pupil may enter the room or dormitory of another pupil without their permission to do so.
3. No pupil may enter the room or dormitory of a pupil of the opposite sex.

25. Bullying. 

The School forbids bullying and any form of abusive or coercive behaviour. Pupils who are involved in persistent bullying are likely to be suspended and/or required to leave the School.

26. Relationships of an Intimate Nature.

1. Pupils should refrain from public displays of close intimacy.
2. Sexual intercourse and other sexual activity involving pupils under School responsibility is forbidden. Those involved will be subject to a programme, which will involve both discipline and counselling. Pupils will be suspended and/or required to leave the School in serious circumstances.

USE OF CARS

The School seeks to protect young drivers and passengers and has a policy of exercising caution in rules for pupils’ use of cars.

27. General.

1. When under School responsibility, pupils must not be driven in a car by other pupils or by anyone under 21 unless exceptional circumstances arise. In such circumstances, parents of both the driver (in the case of pupils) and the passengers will need to give their written permission to the Head of Sixth Form for a specified journey before it can be authorised.
2. Boarders may not keep cars in the local area unless exceptional circumstances arise. In such cases, parents should discuss the matter with House staff. If permission is given, car keys must be held by House staff.
3. Driving Lessons. Pupils learning to drive may use one private study lesson per week for lessons. Pupils should notify the Head of Sixth Form and their House staff of the arrangements they have made.

28. Parking.

1. Pupils may not park in School Grounds.
2. Pupils who park in public areas should show respect and courtesy to local residents.

BOUNDS

Rules for bounds both within and outside School grounds exist in order to enhance protection of pupils and to assist and maintain proper supervision and discipline.

29. Bounds.

1. Pupils from Years 7 to 11 must remain on school grounds during normal school hours  - although this extends to 4.30pm on days including games and activities.
2. Pupils up to and including Year 11 are not allowed to leave the School campus at break or at lunchtime.  Any exceptions are to be requested and agreed by Houseparents or Heads of Year only and a pass obtained for verification if questioned.
3. Sixth-form pupils only may go into the town bounds areas during school hours and only at lunchtime. Sixth Form pupils must sign out via their Houses if they intend to leave the School campus.

DAY PUPILS ACCESS TO SCHOOL OUTSIDE NORMAL SCHOOL HOURS

Rules in this section are designed to ensure that the School is able to exercise its responsibility for supervision of day pupils.

30. General.

1. Outside normal school hours, day pupils should usually only be at School for the purpose of attending a specific school activity.
2. There may be a need to remain at school outside normal school hours, for example in order to attend a later evening activity.
3. Pupils who need to stay at school beyond the school day or after a school activity, parents of pupils must request permission from house staff to be at school. Pupils will then come under house responsibility and they should follow the routines laid down for boarders.

WALKWAYS, ROADS, OUTSIDE AREAS

Rules under this section aim to promote courteous and thoughtful behaviour within and outside school grounds.

31. General.

1. Pupils must move around school grounds and around public areas with care, consideration and due attention to safety. No litter may be dropped. Food may not be consumed.
2. Chewing Gum is forbidden on school grounds.
3. We have a ‘hidden mobile phone policy’ at School - mobile phones should not be used around the school site, in public areas or when walking around.
4. Headphones or earpods should not be worn when moving around the school grounds.
5. Food may not be taken from the Dining Room unless it is in a packed meal form and a School activity necessitates its consumption elsewhere.

PUPILS’ USE OF MOBILE DEVICES

Pupils should always be considerate to others when using mobile devices. Their use should not hinder the learning of other pupils during the normal academic day and whilst on official school trips and extra-curricular activities or in the boarding environment. Mobile devices should not be used in any situation that may cause embarrassment or discomfort to fellow members of the school community.

32. During the School Day

Pupils are not required to have mobile phones in School. We ensure that all internal communication necessary can take place within school without the need for a mobile phone device.  Currently no pupil in Year 6 and below is allowed a mobile device in School.  If a pupil in Year 7 or above needs to bring their phone into School, the following expectations apply:

6. Years 7-9: mobile phone handed in to Houses during the school day. All Houses have a secure locker to store phones. For functional reasons only, pupils can use their mobile phones within a designated area of their House, but only under the discretion of house staff. Exceptions for late drop off (e.g. after an ensemble) or early collection (e.g. for fixtures) can be arranged with house staff.
7. Years 10-11 (and Year 9 on Saturday mornings): mobile phone ‘hidden’ during the school day (Phones off, away in bags and out of sight). For functional reasons only, pupils can use their mobile phones within a designated area of their House, but only under the discretion of house staff.
8. Sixth Form: mobile phone ‘hidden’ during the school day (Phones off, away in bags and out of sight). For functional reasons only, pupils can use their mobile phones within the Sixth Form Centre or Ritchie House.
9. Exceptions: for pupils requiring use of mobile phones during the school day for exceptional purposes, applications can be made to the Deputy Head (Pastoral) and a mobile phone ‘pass’ will be issued. The Head of SEND will maintain a list of pupils with permission to use a mobile phone due to particular needs along with the reason for it. This should be reviewed annually.

33. Device Boundaries for Boarders

All houses have a lockable electronic device locker for safe keeping of devices when needed.

10. Prep Time - Boarders in Year 11 and below, hand in their mobile phones during prep time. Laptops can be used for study purposes only. For all pupils, Housestaff reserved the right to confiscate any device if it is being used inappropriately.
11. Overnight - Boarders in Year 11 and below hand in their electronic devices at night. Access to the wireless network is also limited overnight. The timings of wifi availability are decided in consultation with houseparents.

34. Online Safety and IT Acceptable Use Policy

1. Mobile devices may not be used to video, photograph, upload, distribute, store or create material containing another member of the school community without their express permission.
2. Pupils should be considerate to other members of the community with information shared, written or posted. Material posted online from a home computer or phone can impact significantly upon the lives of pupils and other members of the School community.
3. Pupils must ensure that their online activity, both in school and outside of school does not bring the School into disrepute. Content should not be posted online which is inappropriate, offensive, defamatory or brings the School into disrepute. Pupils should be aware that internet usage within school is monitored and attempts to access inappropriate content is subject to follow up and potentially disciplinary action.

Sanctions: If a pupil is found using a mobile phone around the school site, it will need to be turned off and handed in to Reception. It can be collected at the end of the School day. Sanctions will be given in line with the School’s Behaviour Management Policy and will typically be a Warning issued on iSAMS.

SCHOOL SOCIAL EVENTS, PRIVATE PARTIES/EVENTS

35. School Social Events. 

School social events take place from time to time for various groups. At such events, a member of staff will always be in charge and the School will make appropriate administrative and supervisory arrangements.

36. Private Parties/Events for Boarders. 

When boarders are invited to private parties or other events organised in term time by the parents of other pupils, please see the School Party Policy for more details. In general:

4. Arranging Attendance. The host parents should complete a Party Application Form giving details about the party (including the names of those invited, timings, supervision arrangements, transport arrangements and any other relevant information).
5. Host parents may be asked to arrange for the parents of invitees to contact House staff to give permission for attendance by their children.
6. Criteria for House Staff Permission. Permission is dependent upon the following:

• The event is a special one, such as an 18th birthday or important family occasion
• The administrative and supervisory arrangements are acceptable, and should be aligned to the School’s expectations regarding  alcohol consumption.
• Attendance is compatible with individual boarders’ School commitments.

1. Overnight Stays After Parties. Overnight stays are not normally permitted for pupils other than those in the Sixth Form.

OLD WELLENSIANS

37. Visiting the School

Old Wellensians are most welcome to visit the School. They are asked to make arrangements with staff prior to an intended visit. On arrival at the School, they should sign in at Reception and must be chaperoned by a member of the school at all times. Under no circumstances will Old Wellensians be allowed to stay overnight on School premises.