School does away with mirrors in the interest of fairness

London: 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 into the toilets to attend to their faces.

Everyday checks

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.

"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," he said.

"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.

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

— Daily Mail