Police were called to Bournside School in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire’s largest secondary school, on two occasions over the weekend following reports of antisocial behaviour during a privately organised sports tournament.
The school confirmed that its sports facilities had been hired for an external tournament, reportedly the Suko White All Stars Tournament, which celebrated Namibian football, music, and culture. However, the event was overshadowed by behaviour that fell well below the standards expected by the school community.
Residents living near Bournside School reported large gatherings of people drinking alcohol in the school’s main car park on Warden Hill Road. One local witness described seeing a man urinate in full view of passing motorists and nearby homes at approximately 6.20pm on Saturday evening.
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Neighbouring residents complained that the event disrupted their normally quiet weekend, with some describing the experience as “horrible.” Social media posts from the area detailed incidents of cars with modified exhausts speeding up and down local roads, revving engines, and playing loud music late into the night. Rubbish was left scattered throughout the vicinity.
Mike Sanford, a nearby resident and neighbourhood watch coordinator, remarked that while the sporting event itself was welcomed, the situation escalated due to the presence of others who turned it into a loud party. He reported dozens of people partying in and around the car park, with cars being driven at high speeds, revving engines producing loud backfires, and an atmosphere comparable to a rave.
Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed their attendance at the site on Saturday and Sunday nights but stated that officers did not need to take further action.
Bournside School expressed disappointment over the conduct witnessed, highlighting that the group’s behaviour breached the terms and conditions of the facility hire. The organisers responsible have been banned from making future bookings at the school following the event, which left behind significant mess that school staff had to clear during the first day back after the summer break.
The school emphasised its commitment to maintaining a respectful environment and apologised to local residents for the disruption caused. Pupils returned to the school yesterday to commence the new academic year following the summer holidays and two inset days.