Pupils compare school to 'prison' as they skip class in protest over rule change

More than 50 pupils from a secondary school in Lincolnshire staged a walkout this week, boycotting their classes in protest against newly introduced changes to when they can use the toilet.

The students from Years 9 and 10 at University Academy Long Sutton claim the new policy effectively bars them from using bathroom facilities during lesson time.

The protesting students claim their basic needs are being ignored by the institution, with new rules implemented without a consultation with parents who have subsequently voiced concerns over girls' sanitary requirements.

Henri, who helped organise the demonstration, described the school as "a prison we feel like we're trapped in" since the new rules came into force.

Beyond the toilet restrictions, students voiced broader frustrations regarding changes at the academy following a shift in leadership.

The student organiser claimed discontent among pupils extends to the recent exit of the former principal, Mr Davé, who led the school for nearly seven years before departing to pursue other opportunities.

"The new CEO came in and changed all the rules and made random rules up and we have to follow by it," Henri told the BBC.

One father recounted how his daughter found herself in a distressing situation when her menstrual period began unexpectedly during a lesson.

After initially being refused permission to leave the classroom, she made a second request, explicitly explaining her circumstances.

"She then asked again and explained, 'I've just come on a period'," the parent said.

Despite this explanation, the response remained unchanged.

"She was then told, 'you're not going to the toilet'," he added.

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The incident has fuelled criticism the regulations fail to account for unavoidable biological needs that cannot be scheduled around timetables.

Academy officials defended the revised arrangements, stating the changes were designed to minimise classroom disruption, whilst safeguarding pupil welfare.

"They do not prevent anyone from accessing facilities when genuinely needed, and appropriate support remains in place for those who need it," a school spokesman said.

The academy expressed regret that students had chosen to miss lessons, noting this created additional disruption during a critical period of the academic year.

"We will continue to work closely with parents and pupils to ensure everyone understands these arrangements and feels supported", the spokesman added.

Regarding Mr Davé's departure, the spokesman said: "As communicated to parents, Mr Davé has taken the decision to leave his role after nearly seven years in post to pursue alternative opportunities and we are extremely grateful for his dedication and contribution to the Academy and the wider community.

"We will keep parents updated regarding leadership arrangements moving forward."

Similar uproar brewed among parents of Southchurch High School in Southend last year, with a petition against "draconian" rule changes surpassing 1,500 signatures.

Strict new rules introduced included frequent uniform checks two to three times a day, restrictions to toilet usage and "silent transitioning", banning pupils from speaking in the corridor in between classes.

Parents of pupils at the Southend school also shared concern for their daughters' wellbeing, and claimed the rules were "turning the school into a prison".

Much like University Academy Long Sutton, the school justified the rule change as part of an effort to improve behavioural standards, as Ofsted rated the school 'Inadequate' in 2022.