Pupils have been protesting this week against a decision to remove the boys' outer toilet doors at Malmesbury School.

The school received several complaints in recent weeks from students regarding a number of issues in two of the boys' loos.

In an email sent to parents yesterday afternoon, Malmesbury School associate headteacher John Barrett said: "I have had several complaints from students about a number of issues in two of the five boys' toilets.

"This includes large groups of boys loitering and eating, soap dispensers being damaged or removed, toilet paper strewn around, and toilet bowls being blocked.

"In order to ensure that all our students have safe access to clean toilets, we have taken the decision to remove the outer doors on these two toilets only."

Pupils are thought to have reacted angrily to the news, and claim that anyone walking past can see in and that mirrors were reflecting the urinals.

Yesterday, pupils are said to have protested in the main school corridor, The Street, chanting 'we want our doors back'.

According to a tweet, and reports from several pupils, excrement was found on the floor during the protest.

In the email, Mr Barrett denied claims that the urinals were visible to pupils walking past.

He said: "I must emphasise that the urinals are not visible either directly or through mirrors without entering the toilets themselves.

"It is not unusual for modern school toilets to be purposefully designed in this way.

"If students value additional privacy, there are of course separate toilet cubicles with doors.

"Students now have a choice of whether to use these toilets or the remaining toilets with an outer door.

"The rationale for this change was clearly explained to students by their tutors on Monday morning. "however, a number of students still seem unclear and uneasy about the changes.

"I hope this provides clarification."

In a statement on the matter, a school spokesman said: "There were a small number of boys protesting at lunch yesterday. 
"A student did not defecate on the street, but a small amount of excrement was found. 
"I met with the student council this morning and all were unanimous that the changes we made to some of the boys toilet blocks were sensible in order to ensure they are clean and safe to use. 
"Tutors held further discussions with students this morning and there have been no protests this lunchtime. 
"Phone calls and emails from parents have been very supportive."