School headmaster bans student relationships

"School is not the place for romantic relationships - ever." Photo / Getty Images

The headmaster of a private coeducational Welsh boarding school has warned students not to get into romantic relationships as it could damage their chances of getting a good university reference.

According to News.com.au, Toby Belfield sparked a flurry of opinion in the UK when a note to staff was leaked to media.

In it, the man dubbed "Britain's strictest head" warned them to be vigilant against any budding classroom romances they might spot.

"To be crystal clear: last year I expelled two students for sexual contact, in school. I will NOT hesitate to do so again — students that have ANY sexual contact in school will be immediately expelled with absolutely no second chance," he said.

"Staff are to be much more vigilant. I STRONGLY disapprove of any boyfriend/girlfriend relationships — and it will ALWAYS affect any university reference I write (meaning any student in a relationship will definitely get a worse reference from me).

The note, published by The Times, shows Mr Belfield writing that he would "put together a list" of students with a boyfriend or girlfriend.

"These students — if in [Years 12 or 11] can expect to find new schools in September."

"School is not the place for romantic relationships — ever."

Mr Belfield later clarified his comments to say students in a relationship would not be automatically expelled, but were in danger of "academically underachieving" and would be given a chance to "review their current romantic situation".

It's not the first time the head teacher of the exclusive school that costs nearly $60,000 per year for full boarding has courted controversy. He was previously forced to apologise after saying students should not be "forced" to learn Welsh language and said the school was oversubscribed and suggested those who broke the rules could be booted out.

The comments have struck a chord with many online, with Ollie Whittingham saying: "Pupils would like to remind the head teacher at Ruthin School that it's really none of his business."

Patrick White wrote that it was a "very important lesson" for teens to learn.

"Always think how controversial emails sent to your organisation (that you know won't be popular) will look in the media when someone inevitably leaks it."

Chris Le Poidevin said: "I academically underachieved because I drowned the angst of not having a teenage relationship in alcohol. Maybe trust your students to prioritise."

Peter Newman said: I think this man rather misses the whole point of boarding school!"