School zoo ban over pupil behaviour

OLDHAM pupils were so badly behaved on a trip to Chester Zoo their school has been banned for two years.

Officials say the actions of 29 children from the Radclyffe School, Chadderton, were so inappropriate they threw them out of the zoo.

Around 300 students were on the trip — intended as a treat for year nine and ten youngsters.

But the conduct of some children was so disruptive zoo officials says they had no option but to enforce the ban, which will last until 2015.

A zoo spokeswoman said: “Some pupils were involved in various disruptive incidents and as a result 29 students were evicted. We have spoken and written to the head teacher. We welcome schools on the understanding that students behave in a way that doesn’t cause problems for fellow pupils, other visitors, animals or staff.

“Fortunately incidents of this nature are extremely rare.”

Head teacher Hardial Hayer said it was 24, rather than 29, students who went home early due to their behaviour.

He explained: “We had over 300 students at Chester Zoo as part of an experience day. It was 24 who didn’t meet our own high standards and that is why we brought them back. The deputy head teacher and senior staff met with their parents.

“We always try and uphold very high standards of behaviour inside and outside school. If any fall below those standards, we have internal procedures. As far as we are concerned, we’ve dealt with the matter.”

Mr Hayer didn’t comment on whether the students had been suspended, and neither school nor zoo would specify what the children had done to get them ejected.