The Constitutional School

The Constitutional School is governed by a written constitution – one modelled on the values and structures of British constitutional society.

This is not a symbolic gesture. The constitution is the mechanism by which the school’s values are protected – not by the goodwill of its staff, not by the preferences of its leadership, but by a document that governs everyone equally and that can only be changed through a defined process. It means that the principles on which the school is founded cannot be quietly abandoned when they become inconvenient. They are there, in writing, binding on every member of the community.

For students, this matters in a very direct way. The constitution is not something that happens above them or around them. A student who believes a rule is unjust can propose to change it through the Assembly. A student who believes they have been treated unfairly can bring their case to the Court. The constitution gives these rights a real foundation – not as a promise, but as a structure.

What the Constitution contains

The Constitution of The Constitutional School is organised into five parts.

Part I – Foundational Principles

This section establishes the values on which the school is built: equality before the rules, due process, protection from arbitrary power, and respect for personal autonomy. These principles cannot be overridden by any decision of the Assembly or the Executive. They can be amended only by a supermajority vote, and only through a defined procedure.

Part II – The Assembly

This section establishes the legislative body of the school. All members — students and staff alike — are entitled to attend, speak, and vote. The Assembly makes the rules that govern daily life, and it is the Assembly alone that has the power to change them. Its authority is real, and its limits are clearly defined.

Part III – The Court

This section establishes the judicial body of the school. When rules are broken or disputes arise, the Court hears the case, considers the evidence, and reaches a decision according to fair procedure. Service in the Court is a responsibility shared across the community. Decisions must be reasoned and proportionate.

Part IV – The Executive

This section establishes the role of the Head and staff. The Executive is responsible for the day-to-day running of the school and for upholding the Constitution. It does not make the rules, and it does not determine judicial outcomes. Where a decision of the Assembly appears to conflict with the Constitution, the Head may return it for reconsideration — but cannot simply override it.

Part V – Safeguards and Continuity

This section ensures that the Constitution itself is protected. It establishes the supremacy of the document over all other rules and actions of the school, and sets out the procedures by which it may be amended.

The full Constitution is available to download below.

To see how these institutions operate in daily life, visit The School. To understand the philosophy that gave rise to them, visit The Philosophy.