Fulston Manor School has defended its decision to ban water bottles in lessons, despite a backlash on social media.

According to pupils and parents, drinking water in classes has been banned from today and has been causing ‘issues’ to pupils with medical conditions.

Head teacher Alan Brookes said: “We have suspended the taking of water bottles around the site in order to avoid problems created by litter, messing about in lessons and pupils indulging in the current craze of flipping bottles with all the intended and unintended consequences this produces.

“Pupils can still drink in house areas before school, at break-time, at lunchtime and after school, ensuring that there is no prospect of them becoming dehydrated.

“They are also permitted to take bottled water with them to PE and Games lessons.

“At the end of the first day of this pilot scheme there was a marked reduction in litter around the site, no issues involving water bottles and, despite initial concerns expressed, very few pupils observed drinking water in any of their breaks within house areas, apparently reinforcing the belief that most carry bottles around out of habit or to provide distraction rather than because of a need or desire to drink.

“As with all such pilot schemes, the impact will be assessed over time but initial impressions are extremely favourable.”

Fulston Manor made national headlines last month when a girl was told she couldn't wear her hair in braids.