Headteacher not amused

About ten pupils from The Commonweal School in The Mall, Old Town, left school at lunchtime yesterday for the demonstration in the town centre to join students from New College and Swindon College, who went in their free time.

Headteacher Keith Defter said he cannot condone pupils leaving the school without permission, whatever the reason.

But the students were adamant they were doing the right thing and said it was worth getting into trouble for.

A pupil who organised the protest said: "I thought it was important we show continuing support against the war so people know we are not supporting Blair.

"People of all ages agree with us, but I arranged this because someone had to and I didn't think anyone else would.

"I spoke to the National Union of Students and they told me to see if I could get backing from a teacher so I spoke to my tutor who spoke to a senior teacher. He told me that while he understands what I want to do the school cannot allow pupils to go on strike."

Mr Defter said: "If pupils want to be out of school and it is sanctioned by their parents that is one thing, but if they choose to walk out of school irrespective of the reason they are truanting.

"We are supposed to be responsible for them during school hours and the only reason for a pupil to be out of school during the day is if they have written permission from a parent.

"An Amnesty International group has visited the school and we are keen for children to take an interest in international affairs, but there are ways and means of holding an opinion in a democratic society."

One student said: "Saddam needs to be removed but we can do that without going to war. So many innocent people will die if we do.

"A lot of people feel like this at school but we didn't have long to get the word about I don't think we will be in much trouble."

Swindon MPs Michael Wills and Julia Drown will hold an open meeting about the war on Saturday at the Steam Museum at 1.30pm.