School removes mirrors from girls' toilets 'to stop pupils putting on too much make-up'



Compared with lunchtime detention or a rebuke in the headmaster’s office, it might seem a novel way to keep pupils’ excesses in check.

But a secondary school has become so fed up with girls flouting its ‘discreet’ make-up policy it has put in place a very direct solution: removing the mirrors.

The tough measure was introduced, along with a total ban on make-up, to stop pupils aged 14 to 16 from crowding in to the toilets to attend to their faces.

Fresh faced: Shelley College pupils Jessica Farnworth and Emily Stonehouse, both 14. Emily said she wore foundation, mascara and eyeliner before the ban

The school’s zero-tolerance policy on make-up has also seen teachers being given make-up removal kits to ensure all pupils obey the rules.

Girls at Shelley College in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, are now checked for make-up every day.

Some girls are said to be furious about the rules, claiming that wearing make-up helps to give them confidence.

But John McNally, head teacher of the comprehensive school, said most pupils and parents support the measures.



Strict: Shelley College in Skelmanthorpe, Huddersfield, has banned female pupils from wearing make up

He said: ‘There comes a point when you need to stop teachers spending half an hour in the day talking to girls about their make-up. It is more sensible to say it’s not allowed.

‘We removed the mirrors because there were a number of girls who were going in to the toilets at lunchtime and hanging around in there and eating their sandwiches.

‘The girls were attracted to the mirrors and when we removed them the problem stopped. Most have accepted the policy as the vast majority did not wear make-up and those who wore a little have been happy to stop.

‘The fuss is being caused by about five or six girls, who are the ones who wear the most make-up.

‘We have had a lot of support from parents. Of course some of the girls are trying to push the boundaries.’

Pupils aged under 14 have never been allowed make-up at the school and those in the sixth form are exempt from the ban.

Shelley College's headmaster, John McNally, said: 'I make no apology for adopting a strict stance on enforcing rules and I know we will receive widespread support from parents'

Mr McNally said the tougher stance reflected the ethos of the school.

He added: ‘We have just enjoyed outstanding success in recent examinations, with 75 per cent of our students passing five A* to C grade GCSEs, including English and mathematics. We expect high standards of our students in all respects, whether that be academic work or the way they behave.’

Pupils gave a mixed reaction to the measures yesterday. Some said the mirrors were initially boarded up but after girls uncovered them they were removed altogether.

Emily Stonehouse, 14, said: ‘Before the ban I’d wear foundation, mascara and eyeliner, now I don’t wear any. It is a bit unfair, I do believe too much make-up can be a distraction but so too can too little.’

Abigail Minor, 14, said: ‘It’s not really a big deal. It’s much better in the toilets now because it was so crowded before.’

Rebecca Mannifield, 14, said: ‘It’s okay that we’re all in it together, you realise nobody is no prettier or uglier, we all just look normal.

‘When the mirrors were taken away it did seem a bit extreme.’