Protest breaks out at Camborne Science and International Academy
Devon and Cornwall Police say officers are at the scene - following reports of detention being given for yawning, or being a few minutes late to class
Last updated 20th Sep 2023
A protest has been taking place at a school in Cornwall.
Parents and pupils are reportedly concerned over disciplinary measures at Camborne Science and International Academy.
Pictures shared online have shown images of the students protesting at the site late this morning (September 20) over reports of some students being sent for detention for things like yawning - and being just a few minutes late for class.
Devon and Cornwall Police say they are monitoring what is happening, and have confirmed they are at the scene following the breakout of the riot.
We know the demonstration has involved both parents and children.
In a statement, Devon and Cornwall Police tell us: "Officers were made aware of a protest at Camborne Science and International Academy involving pupils taking place on school grounds, today (20 September).
"Local officers attended to speak with the school to give advice on ensuring that the protest remained safe.
"Officers are currently at the scene."
In response, the school's principal, Emma Haase has given us this statement:
"We can confirm that CSIA staff made the decision to call the police to our premises today to help manage a difficult and disappointing incident at the school initiated by a small number of students and their parents who deliberately intended to disrupt the smooth running of the school day.
"As always, our primary focus remains supporting the education, wellbeing and safety of our students and staff. Sadly, staff have received abuse from Parents and their children on a number of occasions and this behaviour cannot be tolerated.
"We understand that there are strong feelings within the community and we are aware of a number of Facebook groups that have fuelled miscommunications and inaccuracies. We would like to reiterate that there has been no changes to school rules that would warrant this type of disruption.
"Our Habits for life: punctuality, uniform, organisation, and disruption free learning are fair, well-established and understood school rules. All students know what is expected of them and it is the responsibility of parents, carers, students and the school to work together to ensure a good example is being set and that we are behaving appropriately as a community. Additional measures are in place to support the students in meeting the expectations such as free uniform to borrow, equipment available and additional bells to help students to be punctual. These measures have been communicated to students and their families.
"Whilst today has been disappointing, I have every confidence that our community will pull together and move forward in a positive and constructive way”
"We would actively discourage parents and media outlets against speculation and disruptive conversation and communications, and would instead encourage parents and carers to contact the academy directly through the usual channels to address concerns about both individual cases and wider policy. The senior team are already meeting with families to help resolve any misunderstandings and we urge Parents and Carers to contact the school if they have not done so already.
"We would also like to state that regular operations continued today including lunch and afterschool clubs. The school will be open as usual tomorrow morning. We look forward to welcoming our students and appreciate the support offered by the vast majority of our parents."