School demands silence after pupils 'banned from speaking between lessons'

A school is facing criticism over a new policy reportedly insisting on silence between classes.

Ninestiles School said pupils who break the "silent corridor" rule will be given a 20-minute detention, a letter to parents said.

Acting heads of school Alex Hughes and Andrea Stephens said the policy would "ensure students arrive calmly and ready to learn", according to a letter published online.

The rule was due to come into force at the academy, in Acocks Green, Birmingham, from November 5.

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The letter said: "We know that behaviour is already of a high standard but we want and expect more from our learners, and so from Monday 5th November students will move around the building in silence during change over times.

"This will ensure students arrive calmly and ready to learn and staff can give out any information they need to swiftly and easily."

The school leaders added that students can relax and socialise during break and lunch times.

But the move has left some people puzzled, with one Twitter user saying: "I'm baffled ... punishing all students because some won't stop talking leading to bad behaviour."

Another said: "Equally baffled here. Beyond draconian and, to be frank, probably unworkable."

A statement addressing parents' concerns, also published online, said the policy is "simply an extension of that code of behaviour" and added that it would be subject to review at the end of the next school term.