RG_,
As you well know, school paddlings are not something that was used in the UK. However, keeping on the theme, during my days at school the cane WAS used. I have a story about this that I will share soon. Funny enough though, I never once recalled ANY girl getting the cane either at my school, or the schools close by where I knew people. During the equivalent of Junior high girls were indeed 'slippered' like any other pupil however. The slipper was actually a gym shoe (sneaker/plimsoll) and many times that I recall this was given in front of the whole class, not always, but many times that I know of.
Of course the early 70's were a much different time on council estates in England, and I will be so bold to venture that not a single girl told their parents that they were slippered at school that day, because we all know what would have happened if they shared that information
Rich.