An under-fire headteacher who banned pupils from unaccompanied use of toilets during lessons has refused parents' pleas for a U-turn.  

Mike Earl, principal at Hellesdon High School, put the controversial new rule in place after a spate of vandalism and bad behaviour.  

But parents – especially of young people who have periods – claim it has left their children embarrassed and worried they will get bullied if they are forced to wait to use the loo.

One mum, who asked not to be named, said: “It must make them feel so self-conscious. 

Norwich Evening News: As they returned from Easter pupils were spoken to about the toilet rule As they returned from Easter pupils were spoken to about the toilet rule (Image: Wensum Trust)

“The fact they have to go up and tell the teacher they are on their period and get escorted to the medical room - everyone will realise what's going on. It's so embarrassing.” 

But when the children returned after Easter, they were told the rules will remain.  

Mr Earl told this newspaper: "While we encourage all students to use the toilet at the designated times, we do understand there may be occasions where an individual will need to use the facilities during lesson time.  

“In these instances, the student can make the request via their class teacher and a member of duty staff will be made available to grant access. 

"Our decision to close toilets during lesson time was not taken lightly.  

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Norwich Evening News: The school has come under fire for putting cameras in the toilets and for not allowing pupils to go to the toilet, as well as allegedly asking those on their period to make it known to teacher and to use the medical room toilet The school has come under fire for putting cameras in the toilets and for not allowing pupils to go to the toilet, as well as allegedly asking those on their period to make it known to teacher and to use the medical room toilet (Image: Newsquest)

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“We were experiencing groups of students congregating in the toilets or demonstrating behaviour that was causing distress to others.  

“We have also experienced vandalism at a considerable cost to the school.” 

But the mum of a year 10 pupil thinks that everyone is being punished for the behaviour of a handful of “naughty children”.

She said: “My daughter doesn’t want to go to school during her periods. She gets bullied and thinks this will make it worse.  

“She has a friend who has stopped drinking at school to avoid needing the loo. 

“This isn’t teaching them any valuable life lessons, it is not sustainable.” 

Norwich Evening News: Richard Havey has spoken out about his daughters experience of being refused the toilet Richard Havey has spoken out about his daughters experience of being refused the toilet (Image: Richard Harvey)

Richard Harvey kept his daughter, 12-year-old Ruby, out of school ahead of half term due to her being unhappy about the toilet arrangements - which are said to have caused long queues at break times.

Mr Earl said repair work during the Easter holiday should alleviate those problems and that those responsible for vandalism have been "dealt with" in line with school policy, with parents or carers required to cover the costs.