The rise of authoritarian schools

Don't speak. Don't take your eyes off the teacher. Just nod - or else. Britain's schools are becoming dystopian nano-states, valuing performative obedience and grades above all else.

By Cherry Casey

“Silence is my natural state” was the mantra chanted by students at a United Learning Trust school in 2021, while at an Astrea multi-academy trust (MAT) school, pupils follow the ‘slant’ approach: Sit up, Lean forward, Answer questions, Nod their heads and Track the teacher. At schools at the Athena Learning Trust, children are sent to ‘r…