Prom at Ramside Hall cut short after ‘serious incidents’

Pupils from the Lord Lawson of Beamish Academy, in Birtley, Chester-le-Street, celebrated the end of secondary school last night (July 10) with a prom night at Ramside Hall. 

But the school said serious incidents – including “violence involving students, aggressive behaviour towards staff by parents, and damage to toilets” – saw the event ended early. 

In a letter sent to parents, Principal Dr Andrew Fowler said, despite staff addressing concerns, a minority of students “continued to cause damage”. 

This was said to have taken place inside toilet cubicles. 

Dr Fowler said the event came to an end on the order of the management at the popular hotel and golf resort. He said a police investigation is now underway. 

The letter stated the hotel has informed the school that it is liable for any damage costs – and Dr Fowler said if those responsible are identified, they will be told to pay. 

The letter stated: “By the time this decision was made, students had eaten their prom meal as well as having an opportunity to dance and take photographs.

“The decision to end the event almost two hours before its scheduled finish followed several serious incidents during the evening. 

Ramside Hall hotel (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

“These included violence involving students, aggressive behaviour towards venue staff by some parents and repeated damage to the venue, particularly within the girls’ toilets.

“Throughout the evening, school staff worked closely and professionally with venue staff to address concerns and prevent the event from being ended. 

“Staff presence and extra vigilance was increased in problem areas to quickly control the situation, but despite this, a minority of students continued to cause damage in areas school staff and venue staff could not monitor, such as inside toilet cubicles.

“The decision to close the event early was made solely by the venue’s management team. 

“This left school staff in a particularly difficult position, especially given that they had willingly given up their own personal time to support the event, with many staff also contributing financially towards their attendance. 

“All safeguarding procedures were adhered to, messages were sent out to parents and carers immediately, and school staff remained onsite until all students had safely left.

“This is an extremely disappointing situation. 

“What should have been a celebration of our Year 11 students’ achievements and the culmination of their time at school was overshadowed by the unacceptable actions of a small number of individuals. 

“I know many students and families will be upset and frustrated that an event they had looked forward to for so long ended in this way. I also recognise the significant financial commitment that many families made to enable their children to attend.

“The damage caused at the venue has been reported to the Police and is now the subject of an active investigation.

“The venue has informed the school that it considers the school liable for the costs associated with the damage. 

“Should those responsible be identified through the investigation, we will expect them to be held fully accountable for their actions, including meeting any financial costs arising from the damage caused early.

“We also respectfully ask parents and carers to refrain from making inflammatory or defamatory comments on social media, particularly when they are false allegations.

“Any enquiries relating to the venue’s decision to close the event, or any requests regarding refunds or compensation, should be directed to the venue.

“Finally, I would like to thank the overwhelming majority of our Year 11 students, parents and carers whose conduct throughout the evening reflected positively on both themselves and our school community. 

“I also wish to place on record my sincere gratitude to the staff who gave up their personal time to organise, supervise and support the event. 

“It is deeply regrettable that the actions of a small minority resulted in an evening that should have been remembered positively ending in such disappointing circumstances.”

Ramside Hall has been contacted for comment.