Expulsions make an instant impression

Most were glad to be back. Others with letters of suspension were unhappy and bewildered. "I don't deserve this," said Jamie Griffiths, 15, just excluded from the the Ridings for three weeks after banging with his fists on classroom windows.

"There are others turning up at school today who have done worse things," said his mother, Sheridan Walton, holding a letter from Calderdale council, telling her of the new head teacher's decision to keep her son out of school.

"He will miss work experience because of this," she protested. Jamie said he will probably spend the time watching television. "I just want to get back to school and get on with my work," he said.

Debbie Hirst was furious about the suspension for one week of her son Robert, 14, for allegedly assaulting a teacher. She tried to see the new headmaster, Peter Clark, but was turned away. "Robert has already been suspended for three days for the same incident, which he didn't do," she said. "Now he's being punished again. I'm furious and I can't see the head until next week."

Pupils Julie Hunt and Amy Sharp, both 14, were glad to hear about the 12 expulsions and 21 exclusions announced the day before the school re- opened following its closure last week during a government inspector's visit after the reported attacks on two teachers.

"It will give the school a fresh chance," said Julie, as she waited for a coach to take her class on a school trip to Stratford. "It's like starting at a new school. We were worried about getting enough work done for our exams. I'm glad the school is open again.

"It's not as bad as people are making out. There are troublemakers and they were getting out of control. They would run rings around the old head teacher, Mrs Stansfield. She was too soft. This new head seems to be okay."

Mr Clark, appointed temporary head last week, arrived in school saying everyone was eager to get on with their work. "I've had a very friendly welcome. I feel I'm very well supported," he said.

His response to the government inspector's findings published yesterday was guarded. He said he would promise to build on the good practice in the school which was highlighted in their reports.

Countdown to school's emergency closure

The Ridings School closed last Thursday. Mike Tomlinson, who led the inspection team, gave this account of the previous day's events.

11am: Senior teacher manhandles disruptive pupil out of class.

12.30: Lunch. Corridors become a race track as behaviour reaches dangerous levels. Staff conspicuous by absence.

Outside school drunk taunts pupils and they throw stones at him.

Inspectors stop one boy beating up another.

1.30: Inspectors try to persuade groups of pupils into school. Teenagers on playing fields refuse, giving clenched fist salutes.

1.40: Inspectors tell head school is moving out of control. She agrees.

1.50: Mr Tomlinson rings Ian Jennings, chief education officer at the school's local authority, Calderdale, to warn him that the safety of teachers and pupils was threatened.

2pm: Mr Tomlinson rings Chris Woodhead, Chief Inspector of Schools, to brief him.

Later, staff tell inspectors that the day was "not unique."