A SCHOOL in West Somerset has issued a strict new protocol to ensure its pupils behave.

The letter was sent home to parents on children in Year 9 at West Somerset College, stating that from January, students will be escorted to the toilets if they need to go during lessons - ‘to ensure the safety of students at all times’.

Other changes include plans for all Year 9’s to line up in the tennis court at the start of the day, after morning break and after lunch, come rain or shine, to be escorted to lessons in silence.

The letter, signed by assistant headteacher Mary Cranna, says during this time ‘tutors and teachers will be checking uniform, knowledge organisers and equipment’.

She writes: “High expectations will be enforced at all times and there will be consequences for students who do not follow the college’s expectations.

“As students will be lining up outside, please can you ensure your son/daughter brings a coat to school to ensure they stay warm and dry.”

The letter, dated December 20, 2019, states there will be a clampdown on detentions, warning of further sanctions for those who fail to attend.

Mrs Cranna also reminds parents of the school’s uniform policy, emphasising that hoodies are not part of school uniform.

The letter to parents concludes by highlighting that students are not permitted to use mobile phones on site, and any student caught using a mobile phone on site will have it confiscated. From January, students will have to be escorted to the toilets during lessons.

Mrs Cranna writes: “In order to ensure the safety of students at all times, we will be escorting students to the toilet if they need to use the loo during a lesson. Students with a medical reason will be permitted to use the toilet as they currently do.

“We expect students to use the toilet during their free time, at break and lunch."