School classroom CCTV raises privacy fears

King Solomon High, Barkingside, has had nine cameras fitted which they say are "mainly" to prevent theft after a rash of break-ins.

However, more than half the teachers say they are also to keep an eye on students' behaviour.

The Association of Teachers and Lecturers criticised the move, saying it was an invasion of privacy but the school denied monitoring pupils.

Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the ATL, added that while CCTV could help reduce violence, it should be "strictly controlled".