LOCAL politicians have reacted with concern after a meeting to discuss issues at Launceston College.

Ben Maguire, Lib Dem MP for North Cornwall, said: “The stories shared by parents and pupils were deeply concerning. I have been engaging with parents and Athena Trust since my election and it is clear that serious issues continue to persist.

"While I cannot comment on the individual cases I am working on, I will continue to engage with the Trust and the Department for Education. I am also engaging cross party with other relevant MPs and Cllr James Ball.

"In the meantime I would ask parents concerned about specific issues to make a complaint through the school in the first instance and then come to me if they are dissatisfied with the response."

Cllr Adrian Parsons, Cornwall councillor for Altarnun & Stoke Climsland, said: “There were repeated stories about access to toilets, children feeling afraid to speak for fear of triage, fear of dropping a pen and picking it up, looking out of the window, not having the correct attire, and an overall sense of oppression among pupils. These were not isolated comments but recurring themes. Parents expressed fear of speaking up, saying the school is quick to challenge them if they do.”

Cllr Nicola Gilbert, the mayor of Launceston, said: “The town council were notified by concerned parents/grandparents of children at Launceston College, that they wished to arrange a public meeting.

“We advised the working party, that the council are not an educational authority and does not hold any power that governs how any educational establishment operates.

“Also, we noted their point of holding a meeting and to support their request the council offered free use of the town hall, as we do for any other organisation.

“The meeting was held in a professional manner, with the hall full to capacity.”