Father of riot school pupil believes finances will stop expulsion plans

The father, who asked not to be named to avoid his daughter suffering reprisals, said Clifton needed the funding for as many pupils as possible due to its money troubles and problems with falling student numbers.

Following fighting involving large numbers of pupils last week, Mr Hudson said in a letter to parents that five would be permanently excluded and 25 more were on their “very last chance”.

One mum said a senior member of staff had told her this week that Mr Hudson actually intended to dismiss ten children from Clifton and had met with senior council officials this week to discuss the issue.

But the unnamed dad said: “I’d be surprised if the exclusions actually go ahead because they need the money they get for the students.

“They deserve to be excluded if they are violent but I don’t think the school can afford to lose them.”

Following last week’s front page story, the Advertiser was told by parents of renewed concerns about groups of students — said to be of Eastern European origin — waiting in Clifton Park for other pupils they had threatened to attack.

The school has yet to respond to our requests for comment or interviews.

We understand pupils involved in last Monday’s trouble were interviewed by senior staff on Monday and Tuesday and required to make written statements.

One mum of a Year 9 pupil, who attended the school to discuss what her son had witnessed, said she still had concerns about safety, adding: “I don’t think they have some of the kids completely under control.

“A lot of parents have sent their children back this week but I know of several who are looking to move them elsewhere.”

A South Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said no official complaints had been made following last week’s incident and there had been no reports of “any issues in relation to Clifton Park”.

Rotherham Borough Council and Clifton School were invited to comment on the Clifton Park claims but didn't.