I am appalled at the overreaction of Blatchington Mill School's headteacher to the anti-war walk-out staged by some of his students.

They were participating in a peaceful national protest in a courageous and thoughtful manner.

They did not present a health-and-safety risk. Those teachers who attempted to lock the students into school were at greater risk of doing harm.

The school's duty of care does not include preventing students from engaging in such action.

I hope the students will continue to protest against the policy of both the Government and their school.

As a tutor at one of the local universities, I am sure their participation will enhance rather than disadvantage their prospects.

-Selina Todd, Brighton