In one sense, we are living out the clich about people who behave like victims being treated like victims. The dominant stories in the faculty rooms are self-fulfilling. They invite both the bullies and the response the bullies seek. But the dominant stories are delusional since our schools have never been better, have never delivered such an array of services to the young, and have never contained so much raw talent among teachers and staff. The paradox of unparalleled excellence and the loss of authority is almost incomprehensible.
Independent schools have enormous authority in law and philosophy.
They are supposed to use it. Not to use it in the face of provocation is bad for children, bad for teachers and parents, and bad for the school. Everyone knows what constitutes provocation. It is rudeness in any form, bullying, absurd demands, tantrums and all the rest. Schools may ban families, students, or anyone else from the premises for virtually any reason.