Toilet-Gate: Cowes Enterprise College Policy Sparks Backlash From Parents

Parents of pupils at Cowes Enterprise College have voiced anger and concern over strict new rules introduced at the start of term, which include restricted toilet access, shortened lunchtimes and tighter behaviour controls.

The school, run by the Ormiston Academies Trust, has defended the measures, saying they are designed to create a calmer, safer learning environment.

But parents say the policies are leaving children distressed, hungry, and in some cases too anxious to attend.

National Debate on Toilet Access

The issue of unhindered access to toilets in schools is not new.

A 2019 Bill attempted to push for national guidance but was not passed, and campaigners have repeatedly called for clear policies to protect pupils’ health and wellbeing.

A 2025 study by the Personal Hygiene Services Group found that one in 20 secondary school teachers reported toilets being locked during parts of the day — a practice campaigners argue can have unintended consequences.

Parents Raise Concerns

Several parents have spoken out locally.

One parent told Isle of Wight Radio her son had stopped drinking water during the school day to avoid using the toilets:

“The queues are too long and he doesn’t want to risk being late to class," they said.

"The toilets are disgusting anyway due to not enough cubicles being open, and teachers are being very harsh with anyone who dares to criticise the arrangements.”

The parent also raised concerns for girls on their periods, disabled children and those with special educational needs (SEN), adding:

“I consider this new policy an infringement of my child’s basic human rights… So many children I know have begun their school year feeling like they are in a prison.”

Other parents described a “prison-like regime”, claiming pupils were made to stand outside in the rain before lessons, meals were limited, and that SEN toilet passes had been withdrawn.

One parent said her child, who has autism and ADHD, would not be returning until rules changed.

School Response

The Ormiston Academies Trust says the new measures are intended to improve learning and behaviour:

“We are proud to be a high-performing, inclusive school where students are happy, well supported and achieve well.

"At the start of this term, we introduced a number of changes designed to build on that commitment by creating an even calmer, safer environment that supports both wellbeing and academic achievement.”

The trust said policies are based on feedback from parents, staff and students, and confirmed that medical passes are still available where needed.

“We know that new approaches can take time to embed, and we are listening carefully to feedback. Where sensible refinements are needed, we will make them.”

Despite this reassurance, many parents remain unconvinced, warning that the restrictions risk damaging both pupil welfare and education.