Students disappointed by festive decorations veto

Michaela Eastman, 15, said: "Everyone is up in arms about it. There were three reasons for no decorations - they collect dust, the wind blows them and affects the sensors and they make the students hyperactive. But that's what Christmas does anyway!"

Hundreds of names are being added to petitions demanding "bring back the spirit of Christmas!" with one petition circulating asking for head teacher Christine Kelly to go.

Head boy Scott Jones, 15, said: "Boys would wear Santa hats and girls would put tinsel in their hair - but now it's not allowed.

"The action can only be described as ripping the heart out of the school.

"To deny the students of enjoying the most festive time of the year is, in our minds, completely out of order."

Pupils at the Edinburgh Road school say they have been allowed one solitary Christmas tree in the reception - an area they do not use.

Michaela said: "Last year we were allowed to decorate our classroom areas.

"A few decorations make the place look pretty. Prospective parents are coming to look round and it's a bit of a let down for them and for the school."

Other pupils said: "What about the pupils who don't have a very good Christmas at home? They enjoy the Christmas spirit we used to have at school.

"Previously we always had a good spiritual harmony between pupils and staff and now that's being destroyed."

Another pupil claimed: "Filsham isn't a school anymore, it's turning into a business."

Another source from inside the school said: "Everyone is extremely disappointed and saddened by this decision.

"Christmas is supposed to be a time of celebration not a bah humbug attitude.

"Decorations in previous years have been kept small, but were really appreciated by the children.

"When is all this red tape going to stop?"

Headteacher Christine Kelly, who was unaware of the petitions, said: "We've got a problem with the security sensors in the school, last year there were difficulties with them being set off with decorations fluttering in the breeze.

"And I'm keen to keep the fabric of the building undamaged.

"Children can still exchange presents and cards at school.

"But Santa hats are not part of the school uniform. I'm keen to keep the children focused on their work."

Ms Kelly said Filsham Valley will still have Christmas meals at lunch-time as well as an end of school production and out of uniform day for the pupils.

Ms Kelly was due to give a full school assembly on the rules of Christmas this week.