PEACE reigned at Dorcan Technology College for the last day of the school term, following the sit down protest over new school uniform proposals.

In a crunch meeting at the college in St Paul's Drive, Covingham, 13 pupil representatives met deputy headteacher Dr Scott Sissons.

This was to iron out differences that lead to a protest by more than 200 year 10 pupils who refused to go to lessons and spent most of Thursday morning sitting outside the school.

The youngsters were unhappy about the introduction of a new school uni- form from September, which would replace the current v-neck jumpers with polo shirts.

Dr Sissons said: "Because the pupils felt that their views were not represented by their school council, I asked them to re-elect new members from each form and held a meeting with them this morning.

"It was a very constructive meeting which lasted about an hour.

"And we resolved a lot of issues.

"We talked about creating an effective year council to run from September.

"I also explained that the protest was not acceptable behaviour and they understood this."

The proposals for the new uniform, that would comprise of a polo shirt with logo on the sleeve and a round neck sweatshirt with a small logo on the front, were particularly unpopular among year 10 pupils .

It would mean buying a new uniform when they enter year 11 that would only get two terms of wear before they leave in 2003.

Dr Sissons said: "It was unanimously agreed that year 11 pupils would be allowed to wear the old uniform because they would only have two terms left before their exams are due to start."

Dorcan Technology College student Rhian Smith, 15, said: "We're all very pleased with the result.

"We have been told that we will be allowed to keep our old uniforms next year and that we will be the last year to wear it.

"We feel that we have been listened to and that our views have been taken into account."