Stop the Killing of Foxes at Pates Grammar School

To: Headteacher, Governors, and Management of Pates Grammar School

We, the undersigned, strongly oppose the killing of foxes on the premises of Pates Grammar School and urge the school to adopt humane, non-lethal alternatives to wildlife management.

Why This Matters:

Foxes are a vital part of our ecosystem and help control rat populations, which pose a greater health risk than foxes ever could. The decision to cull these animals is cruel, unnecessary, and has been made without consulting local residents, students, or wildlife experts.

Killing wildlife under the justification of “student safety” is not backed by evidence, and more humane deterrent measures should be prioritised. Many schools and public spaces successfully manage foxes without resorting to lethal methods.

Furthermore, the lack of transparency regarding this decision—refusing to disclose the pest control company involved, the risk assessments used,(lamping in a residential area being a particular concern) or the supposed animal welfare advice received—raises serious ethical concerns.

Our Demands:
 1. Immediately stop all fox culling on school grounds.
 2. Disclose all information regarding the decision-making process, including risk assessments, consultations, and pest control contracts.
 3. Work with local wildlife experts to implement non-lethal solutions to manage fox presence.
 4. Engage with students and the community to educate them about urban wildlife and ethical coexistence.

Pates Grammar School should be setting an example for students by promoting compassion, conservation, and responsible environmental stewardship—not the unnecessary killing of native wildlife.

We call on the school to reconsider its actions and work with the community to find a more ethical solution.

Sign the petition to demand an end to the fox cull at Pates Grammar School!

Pate's Grammar School in Cheltenham is yet again killing these harmless animals . It happened 9 years ago as well .