13 May 2023 , 08:11
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Parents have hit out at a secondary school for banning some pupils from attending the leavers prom.
Golborne High School in Wigan, Greater Manchester, is planning a 'graduation ball' for Year 11 students - but only "a handful" of high achievers are allowed to take part, it is claimed.
Families claimed that anyone who's been absent, even for a legitimate reason, has been stopped from going.
One mum, whose daughter wasn't invited after her attendance dropped just below 90%, described the situation as "completely unfair".
She said that a "common problem" among those uninvited appeared to be lower grades "that don't meet the school's standards".
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The mum has been trying to get answers from the school about why her child can't attend (MEN Media)The mum, who did not wish to be identified, told Manchester Evening News: "I have spoken to several parents who have explained their child couldn't go because they've had time off due to injury or mental health issues and my daughter is one of them.
"We seem to have found the common problem in the children who aren't invited is lower grades that don't meet their standards, which in itself is completely unfair."
The mum has been trying to get answers from the school about why her child can't attend, but has had no luck so far.
She shared a copy of a message she received from the school, which said: "Thank you for your query about the prom but all decisions are final and the staff will not communicate with you any further on this issue."
The mum added: "No reason was given. I did ask and they refused under any circumstances to give reasons.
"She has never been suspended or sent home for bad behaviour. Her mental health took a huge hit and she was off for around a week, but that's it.
"Over the course of mocks, she kept getting told how well she's doing and she's definitely going to get an invite until she didn't. Now they won't give any reason."
Another mum explained how her son is facing a similar situation.
She said: "I'm disappointed that all the children have worked hard and only a handful of people are going to the prom," she said.
"The children that are going to the prom are the ones that are doing well at school and don't need extra support."
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Some of the parents are now trying to organise their own private prom to make sure everyone feels included - but they claim the school is even trying to block their plans for that event.
Headteacher Alison Gormally told MEN that the school "has no comment to make" on the issue.
The school was rated outstanding by Ofsted earlier this year, in a report which commented on how pupils "aspire to achieve highly because leaders and staff expect the very best of them".
It also stressed how much support is given to youngsters.
The report said: "Pupils benefit from highly supportive relationships with teachers.
"This helps pupils to feel happy and safe in school. For example, pupils in Year 11 spoke highly about the help that they had received from staff about looking after their mental health during recent examinations.
"Leaders deal swiftly and appropriately with any incidents of bullying or hurtful language."
The Mirror has reached out to the school for comment.