A MASS student protest at the John Masefield High School will lead to changes there.

Last Friday (March 15), around 100 students joined in with the global schools campaign "to raise awareness of the issue of climate change".

Rather than taking issue with the students for missing class, the school has decided to analyse its own environment policies and make improvements.

School business manager Wendy Bradbeer said: "The students organising the event have since met with the headteacher and are going to be working with staff to help reduce the carbon footprint of the John Masefield High School, to increase awareness of climate change and improve the school environment.

"They will be looking at issues such as reducing energy usage and water wastage, reducing unnecessary car journeys, reducing use of plastic and increasing all members of the school's knowledge and responsibility for environmental issues."

Those who participated in the protest gathered in the playground at the front of the school from 10.15am to 10.55am.

Mrs Bradbeer added: "There was a positive atmosphere and students held up banners such as 'There is no Planet B' in order to raise awareness of environmental issues."

Student Hester Wilder said: "Over 100 pupils left lessons to protest and show their anger over the future of our planet, using placards and getting a petition of over 300 names signed for our school."

Headteacher Andrew Evans said: "I am impressed with the knowledge of students on environmental issues and their commitment to making improvements to the school."

The first meeting of the school's new environment group has already been organised.

Mr Evans said: "I am very much looking forward to this and believe this is an exciting development for the school."