A NATIONAL student movement protesting the locking of school toilets during lesson time has swept south Essex school with reports of pupils walking out of lessons.

Students at the Bromfords School in Wickford and Castle View School on Canvey have reportedly staged protests today against the schools preventing pupils from using the toilet facilities during class time.

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A parent of a pupil at the Bromfords School, told the Echo students had gone on a “rampage” this morning.

The parent, who did not wish to be named, said: “Students were setting off fire alarms and running amok at the school in protest of locked toilets, lack of school lunches and staffing issues.

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“I have just physically attended the school to get my dauhter out of there as it’s kicking off.

“I have just witnessed first-hand, the school is chaos!”

Contrary to earlier reports, no protest occured at the Cecil Jones Academy in Southend.

Images shared on social media suggested children had attempted to organise action, but this do not materialise.

The protests, part of a trend hitting schools across the country today, were reportedly organised on social media last night.

Leeds Live is reporting similar protests at The Farnley Academy, Lincolnshire Live has reported walk outs at Haven High Academy in Boston, while the Mirror has reported demonstrations at Penrice Academy, in St Austell, Cornwall.

Last month, the Echo reported the Castle View School had placed locked gates on its school toilets to prevent pupils using them during lessons. 

When questioned by the Echo, headteacher Steve Durkin said: “Pupils are able to access all toilets before school, break times, and after school. If a pupil requires access to the toilet during lesson time, they request a pass from their teacher and are allowed access.”

The Bromfords School headteacher Jochen Tree claims the school has no policy restricting students from using toilets during lessons.

He says the school employs a permission slip system where staff have to sign off to give kids permission to use the toilet.

The school has two main sets of toilets in school.

Pupils are able to access all toilets before school, during break time, lunchtime and after school.

If a pupil requires access to the toilet during lesson time, they request a pass from their teacher and are allowed access the toilets in the student reception.

Mr Tree said: “Students have access to toilets in lesson time, with permission from staff. These are located in our main student reception, which is the most central part of the school and is staffed so students who may be unwell can also be looked after.

“A TikTok trend has affected schools nationally in a variety of ways and we have held assemblies reminding students of the important role that student voice can play in getting their voice heard the correct way.”