Parents are ‘livid’ over a school’s toilet rule which requires girls to ask for a ‘red card pass’ if they’re on their period.

The policy at Penrice Academy in St Austell, Cornwall, means students are not allowed to go to the toilet during class time – unless they obtain a special pass for medical conditions or the ‘unexpected arrival of periods’.

The school defended the decision, saying it was intended to minimise class disruption - however, parents of pupils expressed their anger online.

One person commented: “Total invasion of privacy! How embarrassing for a girl to have to show a red card in front of the whole class to be allowed to go to the toilet!

“I’d be livid if my girls had to experience that at a young age! Girls have periods, they shouldn’t have to prove it.”

Another told of her daughter's first hand experience with the new rule: "After being told by my 12-year-old daughter today that she had been dying for the toilet for over three hours because she wasn't allowed to go and didn't have time at lunch (they have only 25 mins which is around 15 mins wait and just 10 to eat and use the toilet),

“I’ve told her that if she is ever refused the use of the toilet for toileting or period needs then she is to get her things, walk out and ring me and to come straight home and I will be at that school within the hour and that I will be dealing with the consequences.

“Its disgusting, it's a basic human function, when you need to go you need to go, even adults aren't treated like this. Girls have a right to privacy too, they shouldn't have to "prove" they are having a period.

“I’m a grown woman in my 40s and even I would be mortified at the thought of having to do that in front of other people including men.”

Aside from the divisive red card, other parents are concerned about the health implications of restricting toilet use.

A parent commented: “I am aware that some students are not drinking during the day so that they don't need to use the toilet during lessons.

“How dangerous is that for a young persons health? Not drinking during the day time for five days a week!”

The school said ‘red card period passes’ can be requested ahead of time for pupils to keep in their bags and use when required and insist it will never prevent pupils from going to the loo if they really are in need.

Lucy Gambier, headteacher of Penrice Academy, defended the policy saying: “Penrice students are welcome to use the toilet facilities at the start of the day, in between lessons, at breaktimes, lunchtimes, and at the end of the day.

“This equates to six opportunities throughout the day, spaced no more than 75 minutes apart at any one time.

“’This policy is in place to maximise learning time and minimise disruption to teaching.

“There are, of course, exceptions such as medical conditions and unexpected arrival of periods; toilet passes can be obtained by students who require flexibility or peace of mind.”

James Hammersley, the assistant headteacher, added: “We understand that girls cannot always plan for the arrival of their periods which may take place during lessons. With this in mind, girls can request red period pass cards via their tutors which they can keep in their bags to use when required.

“This system has always proven successful, and many Penrice girls already know of and make use of the cards.

‘”Crucially, this system operates on trust, and is monitored to ensure that the cards are used appropriately.”