More than 50 pupils from University Academy Long Sutton in Lincolnshire walked out of lessons this week, boycotting classes in protest against new restrictions on when they can use the toilet.
The students — all in Years 9 and 10 — say the revised policy effectively bans them from using bathroom facilities during lesson time. They claim their basic needs are being ignored, with parents particularly concerned about how the rules affect girls’ sanitary requirements.
Henri, a student who helped organise the demonstration, described the school as “a prison we feel like we’re trapped in” since the changes were introduced.
‘I’ve just come on a period’
One parent recounted a distressing incident involving his daughter. She first asked to leave the classroom during a lesson but was refused permission. When she asked a second time, explicitly explaining her situation, the response remained the same.
“She then asked again and explained, ‘I’ve just come on a period’,” the father said. “She was then told, ‘you’re not going to the toilet’.”
The episode has intensified criticism that the rules fail to account for unavoidable biological needs that cannot be scheduled around timetables. Students and parents argue that policies restricting toilet use to break times are unsuitable, particularly for teenage girls.
Leadership change fuels discontent
Beyond the toilet restrictions, the walkout reflects broader frustrations following a shift in leadership at the academy. Former principal Mr Liam Davé left the school after nearly seven years to pursue other opportunities. During his tenure he was praised for achieving “best ever” GCSE results in maths and English.
According to Henri, the discontent runs deeper than the washroom rules. “The new CEO came in and changed all the rules and made random rules up and we have to follow by it,” he told the BBC.
University Academy Long Sutton is part of the Lincolnshire Educational Trust, sponsored by the University of Lincoln. The school is currently undergoing a rebuilding project, with new energy-efficient buildings set to open in June 2026.
School defends policy
Academy officials defended the revised arrangements, stating they were designed to minimise classroom disruption while safeguarding pupil welfare.
“They do not prevent anyone from accessing facilities when genuinely needed, and appropriate support remains in place for those who need it,” a school spokesman said.
The academy expressed regret that students had chosen to miss lessons, noting this created additional disruption during a critical period of the academic year.
“We will continue to work closely with parents and pupils to ensure everyone understands these arrangements and feels supported,” the spokesman added.
Regarding Mr Davé’s departure, the spokesman said: “As communicated to parents, Mr Davé has taken the decision to leave his role after nearly seven years in post to pursue alternative opportunities and we are extremely grateful for his dedication and contribution to the Academy and the wider community. We will keep parents updated regarding leadership arrangements moving forward.”
Wider pattern of protests
The walkout at University Academy Long Sutton is not an isolated case. Last year, parents at Southchurch High School in Southend launched a petition against what they described as “draconian” rule changes. The petition gained more than 1,500 signatures. The new rules included frequent uniform checks two to three times a day, restrictions on toilet usage, and “silent transitioning” — banning pupils from speaking in the corridors between lessons.
Parents at Southchurch also shared concerns for their daughters’ wellbeing, claiming the measures were “turning the school into a prison”. The school justified the changes as part of an effort to improve behavioural standards, after Ofsted rated it “Inadequate” in 2022. A subsequent inspection in November 2023 rated the school as “Requires Improvement”.
In February 2023, students at Penrice Academy in Cornwall also protested against toilet restrictions during lessons, with some describing the policy as a human rights violation.
The school’s website lists Mr Simon Gilman as Vice Principal and Designated Safeguarding Lead at University Academy Long Sutton.
