A former Norfolk headteacher has sparked controversy by introducing boxing into his school after 40 years of it being counted out across the country.A brain injury campaign group has rounded on Nick Ware, former head of Sheringham High School, for the move at the Priory School at Orpington in London.
A former Norfolk head has sparked controversy by introducing boxing into his school, after 40 years of it being counted out across the country.
Headway UK, the brain injury support charity, has rounded on Nick Ware, former head of Sheringham High School, for his decision at the Priory School at Orpington, in London.
Mr Ware, who left Sheringham in 1999, said
50-60 pupils aged 15 and 16 turned up regularly to after-school boxing classes.
"The whole premise is based around a very disciplined environment where they must follow the instructions of the coach," he added.
He said a small number of the more skilled 16-year-olds were having light sparring sessions after undergoing
a full medical from a GP
and obtaining parental consent.
Headway UK chief executive Peter McCabe said: "Boxing can cause serious brain damage. It is not appropriate to be put on the school curriculum."
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