Penrice Academy speak out following protest
On Friday, students demonstrated against the school's toilet rules - which include only going outside of lesson time and requesting passes
Penrice Academy say they are "disappointed" in a "small minority" of students, following a protest there on Friday (24 February).
Pupils demonstrated against the school's rules around toilets, which include only going outside of lesson time and requesting passes.
In a letter to parents and carers, they say they recognise that many intended for it to be "calm and constructive".
There were reports of tables being "flipped" and people "climbing fences".
The Academy say those involved in "unacceptable behaviours" will face "serious consequences" - this includes permanent exclusion.
The full letter from Headteacher Lucy Gambier said:
"We wanted to take the time to write to you this weekend to reflect on the protests that happened at Penrice and in other schools across the country on Friday.
"We also want to give some reassurance and clarity in light of continued posts inciting similar behaviour for Monday in schools up and down the country.
"These are a concerning trend on TikTok and other social media platforms.
"Our school values are Pride, Respect and Success, these are shared and upheld by our fantastically supportive community of students, parents and staff.
"Our success is built upon trust, mutual respect and strong relationships between students, staff and parents.
"May we express our sincere disappointment that a small minority of our students behaved in an unacceptable way on Friday morning. This behaviour followed a number of posts on social media encouraging students to protest at Penrice Academy.
"We do recognise many of these students intended this to be a calm and constructive protest. Many who initially got involved, removed themselves when they realised a small number of students had no intention of a peaceful and respectful protest.
"We would also like to recognise and thank over 90% of our students that made the right decision and continued their lessons in a calm and sensible manner throughout the day.
"We have adequate CCTV, video footage and reports from staff and students. This has enabled us to see exactly which students have been involved in unacceptable behaviours, affecting the health and safety of our students and staff.
"These behaviours have to be addressed with serious consequences.
"We will continue to investigate and gather evidence in the coming days and will issue further sanctions as required. This will include the full range of sanctions at our disposal, up to and including permanent exclusion.
"On Monday, we will be providing time for students to speak individually and as part of a tutor group to have their voices heard in a calm and constructive manner.
"An academy council meeting will follow later in the week to allow all students to have their views represented and we will update students and parents on the actions that come from this.
"It is important that students use the appropriate channels to have their views heard."