A petition that is claimed to be from Harris Academy Beckenham pupils calling for what they feel are unfairly strict school rules to be scrapped has appeared online.

The ‘Make HABE great’ petition on change.org was set up anonymously and is well on its way to reaching its target of 200 signatures.

It is calling for rules that are “defective to learning, aimless and far too harsh” to be banished, such as wearing only black coats and a one-way system allegedly introduced to ease congestion in the corridors.

Other issues flagged up are the claimed overuse of the detention system, with the petition’s creators alleging it is not unheard of for students to be threatened with detention for having a coat on indoors.

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One pupil who signed the petition commented: “Heaven forbid someone bringing in a coloured bag or coat.

“Teachers often throw out detentions without any prior warnings, for example a student can get a detention for wearing diamond earrings because it can ‘distract other students from learning.’”

Another said: “We need to think more about our education than our coats and bags.

“Also you can’t expect 900 students to fit through one hall and not be late for class.”

Harris Academy Beckenham’s principal Rebecca Hickey has been contacted for comment several times but has not yet issued a response.

Are you the parent of a pupil at Harris Academy Beckenham? Get in touch to have your say on 07787 273806 or helen.corbett@london.newsquest.co.uk.