Media Guidelines

Disciplinary hearings are open to members of the media. Below you will find guidelines for members of the media as to how hearings will operate.

Pre-hearing

Hearings will be publicised on this website no more than five working days in advance. This is the first public notification of a hearing. Media will not be notified about hearings in any other way.

Hearing

On the day of the hearing members of the media will be requested to arrive at GTCS reception no later than fifteen minutes before the start of the hearing.

All media must be signed in.

There will be no photography whatsoever on GTCS premises.

Media will not be able to interview those taking part in a hearing on GTCS premises. Any arrangement made to do so elsewhere is a matter for the parties involved.

Media must at all times abide by the rules set down by the chair of the hearing. For example, if the chair decrees part of a hearing should be held in private, this should be respected.

At no time should members of the media interject or engage in discussion during a hearing.

It is possible that the names of children and pupils may be mentioned during the course of hearings. The Media is requested not to report the names of children and pupils along with any other references which might result in identifying the young people concerned. 

Post hearing

The result of a hearing will be posted on the GTCS website as soon as possible after a decision is made. Media will not be informed any other way.

We will not elaborate on the detail of a hearing other than to reiterate what is posted on this website. We will be happy to assist will any other enquiries or requirements for individuals attending hearings.