THE headteacher of a Catholic school in Ellesmere Port has reacted to a report revealing where CCTV cameras are installed in toilets and changing rooms.

The report by Big Brother Watch, called ‘Class of 1984: The extent of CCTV in secondary schools’, was compiled following a Freedom of Information Act request by the campaign group and Ellesmere Port Catholic High School (EPCHS) was one of 206 schools in the country listed as having CCTV cameras in bathrooms and/or changing rooms.

The school is listed as having three cameras in bathrooms and/or changing rooms.

EPCHS headteacher Peter Lee defended the decision to install the cameras in the toilets.

He said: “Almost 10 years ago our younger pupils told us that they found the toilets to be daunting because they were often crowded with students using them as social areas.

“We looked at various solutions, including the introduction of unisex toilets as can be found in a number of newly built schools.

“We canvassed parents of students at the time and in our partner primary schools about siting cameras which would cover the access areas in the toilets while preserving discretion and modesty.

“Images from the sites of the cameras were shared with parents and the option was offered to students and parents to view the output from the cameras to satisfy themselves about privacy.”

Mr Lee confirmed the introduction of the cameras had greatly reduced problems.

He added: “We haven’t neglected old-fashioned methods though and, as might be expected, staff are also involved in supervision of the toilet areas so any immediate concerns can be addressed.”

Mr Lee confirmed there were no cameras in the school’s changing rooms.