Suffolk school brings in 'Britain's strictest headteacher'

Barry Smith, known for his unconventional teaching methods, has been working with Stowupland High School, near Stowmarket, to encourage pupils in the "vision, ethos and expectations for behaviour".

The school, which is part of the John Milton Academy Trust, received a 'Requires Improvement' Ofsted rating in December after an inspection last January found that behaviour issues were not consistently addressed. 

Mr Smith has in recent years served as headteacher of Great Yarmouth Charter Academy, dividing parents over his approach in the classroom, with county councillor Mike Smith-Clare describing him "a Marmite headteacher".

Read more: Ofsted issues 'genuine apology' after school's inspection concerns six months ago

The school received a Requires Improvement rating last year. (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesperson for the John Milton Academy Trust said: “The school’s recent Ofsted report highlighted a number of areas inspectors identified as requiring improvement at the school.

“To address these issues, we are drawing on the expertise of a range of people and organisations who, working alongside our interim CEO Shaun Common, executive principal Andy Green and recently appointed principal Lee Walker, will advise on how the school can be improved.

“We want to develop a warm, friendly and polite environment at Stowupland High School where students can learn, achieve and flourish.

“The trust is working with a number of external parties, with a wide range of expertise, to enhance the learning environment at the school including a highly successful London-based National Leader in Education (NLE) and their trust.

“Mr Smith has been working with the trust to support staff in encouraging students to buy into the school’s vision, ethos and expectations for behaviour as part of this improvement programme.

“The trust will keep parents and carers informed of any updates or changes to school policy.”