Students at Berri Regional Secondary College excluded from formal after failing to meet criteria

Students at a Riverland school have been told they can’t attend their school formal – but it’s left some parents furious. See what they did wrong.

Students at a Riverland high school have been banned from attending their school formal after failing to meet non-academic criteria, leaving some parents fuming.

The Department of Education confirmed a number of students at Berri Regional Secondary College were “not eligible” to attend the traditional Year 11 and Year 12 end-of-year celebration event after failing to meet key performance indicators.

These relate to attendance, uniform, submitted work and behaviour at school.

An Education Department spokeswoman said families and students were advised of this decision as part of an “ongoing discussion”.

Teenagers having fun at a school formal. They weren’t banned – unlike the group from Berri Regional Secondary College. Picture: Getty (File)

“Students were advised in Term 3 that had yet to show improvement and this was one of the consequences, should their behaviour not improve,” she said.

“It was not part of a student’s academic ability. There was not a specific level of improvement required, just showing some improvement.

“Overall, it has worked very well, with most students showing considered improvement.”

But some families are reportedly upset with the decision to exclude their children from the formal, saying the decision was wrong and punishes struggling students.

An Education Department spokeswoman said they have met with parents to discuss the situation and will continue to do so should anyone want to.

“The school has provided support to students and families throughout the year and has taken into account each student’s personal circumstances as part of this process,” the spokeswoman said.