A school is to use fingerprint scanners to identify pupils.

The biometric technology system will be used by students at Brighton Aldridge Community Academy to pay for their meals and take out library books.

The cashless catering system will be introduced in September and bosses say it is a convenient way of paying for school meals and discourages the misuse of dinner money.

Funds are instantly uploaded into the accounts of those who are entitled to free school meals to allow those students to remain anonymous.

Other students can credit their accounts by cheque or by using a cash loader machine.

All students and staff at the academy had their fingerprints taken at the end of term and entered into the system.

When they place their finger on a canteen scanner, the software will match their print with a unique digital signature held in the database.

Letters were sent home to parents about the scheme, along with the option to opt out.

Those not wishing to sign up will still be able to use a pin number to buy their meals.

Principal Phil Hogg wrote to parents assuring them the system was safe.

She said: “The original fingerprint will be destroyed. Please note this is completely safe as it comes under the guidance of data protection.”

She added that many schools and academies in the country use the system.

However one mother is angry that the academy decided to adopt an “opt out” policy, rather than getting all parents to send in their signatures to agree to the scheme.

Stefanie Burley, of Dawlish Close, Brighton, said she did not receive the letter and did not know that her son 12-year-old Zak was even having his fingerprints taken until he came home from school and told her.

She said: “Just assuming that I got the letter, and therefore give my permission, is not good enough.”

Ms Burley, 41, says she now intends to ask for Zak’s details to be removed from the system when he starts Year 9 in September.