Headteacher: I’ll call in police if pupil demo turns violent

The headteacher of a London sixth form has warned parents that he could draft in the police if pupils get out of control during tomorrow's student protests.

Stephen Chamberlain has threatened to "secure the gates" of the Hollyfield School and Sixth Form Centre in

Surbiton if violence erupts. His warning came as a Met commander urged parents to alert schoolchildren to the dangers of joining the protest.

Mr Chamberlain wrote to parents after problems caused during what began as a peaceful protest outside the Kingston Guildhall last week.

He wrote: "A larger protest group including university students attempted to gain access to The Hollyfield School with several actually gaining entry and causing considerable disruption." The school is determined not to see any repeat of the disorder.

Mr Chamberlain wrote: "I am in close liaison with the police and I have also implemented a security plan to ensure the safety of all pupils on the site. My position regarding any future protests remains that I will not authorise absence related to protests even if accompanied by a letter from parents and that pupils must be in school."

Pupils who skip school to attend the protests at Trafalgar Square will be classed as truants who could face suspension or even expulsion.

The school declined to comment on the letter. A Met spokeswoman said: "We won't have a physical presence unless the school rings us and says that is needed, but that is no different from any other day."

Earlier today Commander Bob Broadhurst, head of the Met's public order branch, urged parents to warn their children they could be in danger if they join tomorrow's students' protests.

Thousands of demonstrators are expected to converge on Trafalgar Square for the "big one" — nine hours of action over proposed increases in tuition fees. Police are keen to avoid a repeat of last Wednesday's scenes in which boys and girls as young as 10 skipped class and became caught up in disorder as parents waited outside the cordons to collect them.

Mr Broadhurst said: "Young people are more vulnerable and likely to be injured if violence breaks out."

Mr Broadhurst said he was determined to ensure the march does not descend into a "sea of violence and disorder". Organisers arranging tomorrow's action via Facebook are preparing to be "kettled" by riot police and are advising protesters to bring warm clothes, food and drink. Following last week's march, 41 arrests were made.