Pupils outraged by final day ‘lock-out’

Egging fears: Web rumours of plan to attack teacher’s home

Parents and students were outraged after their last day of school was cancelled in an 11th hour bid to avert any pupil pranks.

At the end of the school day on Thursday, pupils from Grove Academy’s departing sixth year were gathered into the lunch hall, told to empty their lockers, that they were no longer pupils of the school, and if they returned yesterday the police would be called.

Outraged pupils staged a small protest outside the Broughty Ferry school after they were denied the traditional final day festivities.

The decision, made within the school, was apparently based on social media rumours that deputy head teacher Fiona MacIntosh’s home would be egged by departing pupils.

Local councillor and Labour education spokesperson Laurie Bidwell said: “It’s a pity school management feel it necessary to cancel the last day festivities.

“It’s a day that should be a celebration and learning and achievement and a real turning of the page in the book of life.

“I’m not aware of any problems last year, but the school would not have taken this decision lightly.”

Parents and pupils came forward describing the sadness that social media rumours had caused a day of celebration to be cancelled.

Parent Keren Guthrie said: “Pupils were in tears and upset, just what they need when they are sitting their Higher exams, how will that affect their results?

“Don’t expect any support from your school, after six years of supporting the school; they were chucked out as if they were rubbish.”

Some pupils said they were worried about studying, with Monday a public holiday and exams on Tuesday, for many, Friday was the last day to discuss and learn from teachers but many are fearful of turning up to school.

Pupil Laura Sinclair said: “You can imagine how hurt all of our year is, when all we wanted to do was have a good final day with friends before we leave, you look forward to this throughout the whole six years at school and to be denied it is honestly heartbreaking.”

Council education chief Stewart Hunter said he supports principal Graham Hutton’s decision.

He said: “There have been issues with last days at the school in the past and the head teacher has decided that enough is enough.”

There have been issues with last days at the school in the past and the head teacher has decided that enough is enough. STEWART HUNTER

Picture: Ron Cathro. Grove Academy pupils protest over the cancellation of their last day.