Pupils voice their concerns at Walton Academy during protest at the school

Pupils protesting at Walton Academy have contacted the Journal to voice their concerns over issues at the school.

Around 50 to 60 pupils are said to be protesting in the grounds over unisex toilets, bullying, mental health and other issues.

One 13-year-old pupil told the Journal: "We are planning to stay out until all these matters are fixed. We are protesting about girls' rights, Black Lives Matter and unisex toilets and the way we are being treated by teachers."

Another pupil said: "People are being bullied but absolutely nothing is being done about it."

Another pupil protesting in the grounds said: "Teachers are telling us we're not allowed to go to the toilet, we're not allowed in to get food or water.

"This school is completely unfair. They don't care about students' mental health. I suffer from anxiety and have a reflection time card, but I've been sent back to lessons crying and they don't care. There's been times when people have been crying with panic attacks and they have just left them to it.

"Students are fed up with being pushed around and treated like we're animals."

She said students are not allowed to go to the toilet unless it's break-times or lunch and there have been queues of 20 children waiting to use the toilet at the start of breaks because they've had to wait.

She said: "I've not been allowed to go even though I'm on my period. And there was one time when one girl wasn't allowed to go to the toilet and she weed herself in the classroom."

She added: "When we've suggested things we've just been ignored. Like the window that looks into the toilet, we asked them to replace it with frosted glass but they won't listen."

Walton principal Jess Leonard has blamed social media for the protest.

Another pupil said: ""From the boys' perspective, we want our own toilets.

"Everyone complains about having unisex toilets, and because there's a window [that looks into the toilets but not cubicles].

"People, like myself, have found used [sanitary products] on the floor.

"We would rather have our own toilets. This situation makes everyone uncomfortable."

Parents have contacted the Journal to show their support for their children who are protesting.

Another pupil added: "I think that the school doesn't really care about children's mental health. A lot of bullying happens at this school. Mental health is just brushed under the carpet.

"And the toilets aren't separate, they're not very private.

"I think it's amazing that students are doing this, to be heard by the teachers.

"The school should take responsibility and change, make it a better school and give it a better reputation."