Sydney Boys High School students banned from Woolworths Central over anti-social incidents

Pupils from a top Sydney high school have been barred from entering a Woolworths supermarket, with school leaders issuing a blanket ban to all students after a number of incidents on-site.

Students at the 1200-plus pupil campus have been banned from entering the supermarket.

Students at a top Sydney boys school have been banned from entering a Woolworths supermarket over a series of “anti-social” incidents, including shoplifting.

Sydney Boys High School has issued a blanket ban on its 1200-plus pupils shopping at the Woolworths Metro outlet at Surry Hills after reports of inappropriate behaviour by a number of students.

It is understood the issue relates to incidents including theft of items from the small-scale supermarket opposite Central Station.

A Department of Education spokeswoman did not delve into the specifics of why students were banned, but confirmed the matter related to poor behaviour.

“Sydney Boys High School last term instructed uniformed students not to enter a nearby retail outlet after a small number of students behaved inappropriately,” she said. “This is a temporary measure that will be reviewed in term two.”

An exterior photo of the store.

The ban was issued by the school earlier this year.

It is understood the ban was put in place by the school after Woolworths contacted the school regarding anti-social behaviour carried out by some students inside the supermarket.

Despite the strict restrictions, school principal Kim Jaggar used a school newsletter last week to say some students have been seen flouting the rules.

Sydney Boys High School has a student headcount of more than 1200 students.

“Multiple students have been caught entering Woolworths at Central despite repeated instructions to the contrary,” Mr Jaggar wrote.

“Students and parents are advised that Woolworths management will be sending us security footage of any student entering the premises and once we identify them, they will face strong negative consequences – not because they entered the store, but because they were instructed by the principal not to do so, constituting an act of defiance.

“Before I can try to negotiate a lift of the ban on high students entering the store, I will need to demonstrate that high students have complied with the exclusion from the premises. It’s up to you.”

The ban applies while students are in school uniform but cannot be enforced on non-school days including weekends.

It is understood Sydney Boys High School has worked with shopping centre management and police youth liaison officers in relation to the anti-social incidents.

Parents of students involved have also been informed of the matter and further disciplinary measures have been taken.