A HEADTEACHER has vowed to expel pupils who repeatedly forget to equip their pencil cases or bring school planners.

The move at Nunthorpe School, in Middlesbrough, has had a mixed reaction from parents with some supporting the move and others arguing it is too harsh.

Headteacher Debbie Clinton said the hard line was part a new policy of “reiteration of standards” and to prepare pupils for the world of work.

“If I have to follow through I will,” she said. “I don’t brandish threats lightly. If we should need it, like any policy, we have it there.”

Mrs Clinton made headlnes in 2009 when new uniform rules meant 65 pupils were sent home in a single day for not dressing correctly.

The headteacher said she believed pupils would soon adhere to the new pencil case ruling, as they did to the uniform rules, and said she doubted the strictest punishment would need to be imposed.

The amendment to the school’s Behaviour and Rewards Policy requires that students carry a “graffiti free” planner, which is signed each week by parents, students and form tutor.

Pupils must also have a fully equipped pencil case with plenty of pens, pencils, colouring pencils, ruler, sharpener and calculator.

Parents and members of the public commenting online expressed mixed reactions.

One said: “ It will teach them that in real life there are certain standards of behaviour required.”

However, another said: “My nephew said that last week the detention rooms were full of kids due to this new rule.

What happens to the disadvantaged children, who cannot afford all the stationery?”