School Removes Mirrors to Improve Punctuality

William Farr Church of England Comprehensive School in Lincolnshire has removed mirrors from its toilets due to concerns that students were spending excessive time there, affecting punctuality and making some students uncomfortable. Headteacher Grant Edgar stated that the mirrors encouraged students to gather in large groups, leading to delays in transitioning between classes, which could result in a loss of up to 6.4 days of learning annually. The decision has sparked mixed reactions among parents, with some criticizing it as 'silly' and 'extreme,' while others support the move for improving timeliness. For those needing mirrors for medical reasons, the school allows requests at reception. The ban has drawn parallels with other schools, such as Christopher Whitehead Language College, which replaced mirrors with posters criticizing makeup. The debate highlights ongoing discussions about student access to mirrors and smartphones in schools.