We were a leading public school, not a comprehensive. We were bright , as well as generally rich and privileged . Nevertheless the same rules apply, give us an inch and we’ll take a yard. We weren’t bad kids it was a situation allowed to develop to extreme. If you once lose control you never get it back .
At least I learned that long before I ever stepped in a classroom.
When you read that story, how near or how far ? If you want a comparator just re read Lord of the Flies. In many ways Steve is right, but please , don’t let angelic pictures fool you , feral youth thrives where staff are unfit for purpose, management weak and rules blindsided.