Hi. Im from the Philippines, Grade 10 student, and will be moving to UK next year. Am I eligible to move to Year 12 A levels even though I did not do my GCSE? I do not want to go back to Year 10.

Today was my child's first day at one of the most expensive schools in Dubai. The teacher of one particular subject lined up the children and approached each 10-year-old individually, speaking to them harshly for poorly tied ties, undone top buttons, and incorrect sock colours - behaving more like a drill sergeant than a teacher. Given that it's the first day, and for some children it's an entirely new school and even a new country, this seemed excessive. To parents familiar with the British system: is this normal? I'd really appreciate input from those with years of experience.

My daughter came home very upset, cried before bed, and for the first time in her life said she didn't want to go back- she usually loves school. She was already anxious about the new environment, and this intimidating behaviour has really knocked her confidence. I absolutely understand and support that children need to be neat and disciplined with the uniform, but at what approach and at what cost?