COLLEGE Principal Tim Hitch today accused striking students of trying to undermine the discipline system and to disrupt students learning. Mr Hitch, principal of Neale Wade Community College, March, was reacting to a strike on Friday staged by around 50 s

COLLEGE Principal Tim Hitch today accused striking students of trying to "undermine the discipline system and to disrupt students learning."

Mr Hitch, principal of Neale Wade Community College, March, was reacting to a strike on Friday staged by around 50 students.

In a letter to parents he said today: "As many of you are aware, a group of students decided to organise a strike. The strike was supposedly organised in support of a longer lunchtime.

"My information, however, is that no reference had been made to the college Parliament regarding this issue and that this unnecessary action was designed by some to disrupt students' learning."

Mr Hitch said he was interviewing parents of students who were involved in Friday's action.

"It is my intention to employ the full range of sanctions to ensure that college discipline is maintained and the college returns to a normal working atmosphere."

He said it was important "that we give all students, especially year 9 who have SATs starting on May 6 and Year 11 who have GCSE examinations starting on May 12, every opportunity to succeed."

Mr Hitch said he hoped it was now possible to put the events of last Friday behind them.

"I am equally sure that all parents and students will want the college to return to a normal working atmosphere," he said.

One Year 8 student said in an email to this newspaper that "during third period, a whole group ran around the school and no teacher tried to stop them. However the teachers did not allow us to say the word strike.

"I wrote the word 'strike' on a piece of paper and got told that if I took it out one more time I would get red carded.

"Teachers said we were making fun of them going on strike the day before but I suppose what we were doing was showing we actually care what happens."

Another wrote: "Hey, regarding the strike. I am now kicked out of school for standing up for what I believe in. I am the only student to have been kicked out."

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