A SCHOOL in Launceston has said it “won’t be getting involved” following calls for a public meeting to discuss concerns with its teaching methods.

Launceston College has told parents that ‘the most effective and constructive way to ensure feedback is properly understood and thoroughly addressed is for concerns to be raised directly with the college’.

It comes after parents and carers of students at the school have called for a public meeting to be held in order to raise their concerns about the school’s approach.

The school has previously come under fire for its treatment of students.

In July 2025, one parent told the Post, that the school was “prison-like”, stating there are ‘too many needless detentions resulting in kids giving up, and assuming school is just detention. They are not being encouraged to learn, they are being beaten down mentally.’

Now, concerned parents are hoping that a public meeting to air issues and frustrations will improve the situation – with the local MP, the school’s governing body the Athena Learning Trust, and local councillors all being contacted in an effort to facilitate a meeting.

However, despite suggestions of such an event, Athena Learning Trust has said that if one were to happen, it would not be represented at the public discussions.

Instead, the trust and Launceston College’s principal, Mr Matthew Thompson, have reminded concerned individuals that the best way to be heard and have issues addressed is to raise them directly with the college.

Speaking to the Post, Matthew Thompson, principal at Launceston College said: “I understand that a town hall meeting is being proposed and fully respect the role of local representatives in listening to their communities.

“However, the most effective and constructive way to ensure feedback is properly understood and thoroughly addressed is for concerns to be raised directly with the college. This allows us to look carefully at the details, respond appropriately and resolve matters swiftly.”

While stating that the college would not be attending such a meeting, Mr Thompson said he would be interested in meeting with ‘local representatives’ after the event to discuss any matters raised – adding that his ‘door is always open’.

He continued: “I would be very happy to meet with local representatives afterwards to discuss any general themes or issues raised.

“My door is always open. Parents are welcome to contact the college directly to request a call or a meeting, and we are committed to maintaining open and positive dialogue with families.”

Mr Thompson wanted to emphasise that students ‘sit at the heart of everything the college does’, with a ‘focus on not only their success, but also their wellbeing’.

“The wellbeing and success of our students sit at the heart of everything we do,” he said. “And I look forward to continuing to work closely with the community to ensure every young person enjoys their time at Launceston College.”

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