HOYLAND'S Kirk Balk Academy is being accused of leaving students disappointed and segregated as a result of their school trip policy.

Two weeks ago Elise Mawson's son Cieran, 12, brought a letter home informing parents of a 10-day school water sports trip to Barcelona - the cost would be £650.

She said: "They have now sent a list of terms to agree to which were never mentioned in the original letter.

"These include, your child must be able to swim 25 metres, and your child must have no authorised holidays coming up."

Kirk Balk's vice principal Martin Davies insists changes had been made because so many pupils wanted to on the trip.

He said: "When the trip was first advertised we were expecting that around 50 students would want to go on it.

"Once we had received all of the initial replies and £50 deposits it became clear that over 200 students wanted to go.

"Our intention is to ensure as many students as possible can access the trip hence why we are now running the trip twice to accommodate over 200 students and we are always open to discussing individual cases with parents/carers.

"Students will need to be able to swim 25m unaided by the time they go on the trip.

"This is entirely sensible and a precautionary measure since it is a watersports holiday. It is not meant to alienate any pupils."