School riot as pupils 'flip tables' in 'toilet protest' after rule change
A school protest over toilet access allegedly turned into a "riot" with a fence torn down, tables being flipped and a girl having her hair "pulled out".
Pupils at Penrice Academy in St Austell, Cornwall, organised a demonstration today after strict new rules were announced limiting bathroom usage during lessons.
After a call to arms on social media yesterday evening, the children banded together but witnesses said things "got out of hand" and one student was reportedly treated by an ambulance.
Photos from the site show large groups of kids in uniform gathered at the school's fences, with some trying to scale them.
A video shows pupils shaking a fence while chanting.
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A parent claims fencing was partially broken and another said there was at least one injury.
Pupils 'rioting' at Penrice Academy, in St Austell (Cornwall Live)
A pupil is understood to have been injured (cornwalllive)Speaking to CornwallLive, the mum said: "They've broken fences down, goal posts are trashed, bins smashed, kids are running off out of school.
"A kid has literally pulled a huge clump of hair out on the fence trying to climb in to use the toilet and badly injured herself.
"I've spoken to her, checked her over and contacted her parents."
Another parent said: "Just to let you know that my daughter has just called me to say the protest has got out of hand and students are flipping tables.
"The children are now not allowed out for break."
It was announced yesterday that the school would change the pupils' use of toilet facilities during class time.
The school recently announced toilet rule changes (Google Maps)The rules include only going to the bathroom outside of lesson time and girls requesting red cards passes when they are on their period.
The school said it was important to minimise disruption during classes.
Some of the parents have also complained about the school enforcing its no coat-rule in corridors.
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The protest organisers' post read: "Dear all Penrice students. We are protesting tomorrow about toilet rights.
"Please join if you can this will run through period 1, 2, 3, 4 and will take place outside reception and year 7 yard. We will all spread out through the school and please make posters and signs.
Fences are said to have been partially pulled down (cornwalllive)"Like I said please join if you can. Repost this on your story and spread the message."
The school said in a statement today: "Our students have the right to express their opinions in a calm and safe manner, however a small number of students' behaviour was unacceptable.
"A number of parents have already been contacted to collect their children.
"For the majority of our students, lessons and lunch time will continue as normal. If you have not been contacted, there is no need to collect your child.
"We hope to engage with them to find a solution that works for everyone as soon as possible. The safety and wellbeing of our students is always our priority."
Meanwhile, a school in Leeds, West Yorkshire, has also seen a pupil protest outside its grounds over similar rule changes.
Pupils of secondary school The Farnley Academy have been standing outside this morning and refusing to go to lessons.
"Disgusted" parents are supporting their children and say the policy is "taking away their human rights", reports LeedsLive.
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