Coventry school's 112 cameras security criticised

Students at a Coventry school are being watched by 112 CCTV cameras, a Freedom of Information request has revealed.

Coventry City Council confirmed Stoke Park School & Community Technology College, in Dane Road, has 79 CCTV cameras inside and 33 outside.

The school says student councillors were involved in the discussion process before the cameras were installed.

But the number of cameras has been criticised by Big Brother Watch, a privacy and liberty campaign group.

'Clearly wrong'

Acting head teacher of the school Marie Harrison said: "The school has installed CCTV cameras in key areas including corridors and the perimeter of the site.

"There are no cameras in toilets or changing areas.

"This has been one of a number of measures taken by the school in ensuring children's safety and minimising damage in and around the site."

She added student councillors had given "very positive" feedback about the cameras.

There are 1,090 pupils at the school which is also used by adult community groups in the evening.

Daniel Hamilton, campaign director for Big Brother Watch, said the group had no problem with some use of CCTV in schools, such as at entrance points.

But he added: "It is clearly wrong for the movements of every teacher and pupil to be logged at all times.

"CCTV should be used sparingly to help solve serious crimes, not to watch school children going about their day."