SEVERAL students at a Bromsgrove school fainted on the day of a school photograph after being ‘forced’ to wear blazers on the hottest day since records began.

A concerned Bromsgrove School parent contacted the Advertiser after hearing children were collapsing ‘left right and centre’ during a prep-school photograph on Wednesday, when temperatures reached an unbearable 30°C.

The parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “The pupils were told they had to wear their jumpers and blazers for the photograph and I’ve heard there were tens of students fainting as a result because of the intense heat.

“I think it’s outrageous – the school should be prioritising the children’s safety instead of forcing them to wear blazers so a photo looks nice.”

Rachel Scannell, deputy head teacher of Bromsgrove School, denied the claims, insisting that ‘not a single child’ fainted during the photo and that children were not required to wear jumpers.

She said: “We are aware of rumours circulating on social media and the head mistress emailed all parents to set the record straight.

“The school takes its responsibilities for the welfare and safety of its students very seriously and the staff worked very hard and took sensible measures throughout the day to ensure pupils are kept as cool as possible.”

But, in a letter seen by the Advertiser, head teacher Jacqui Deval-Reed reveals that ‘three pupils genuinely fainted’ that day.

The email, which was sent to parents on Thursday, reads: “Dear parents,

"I write to allay certain parental concerns that have been brought to my attention this morning regarding school yesterday.

“Please be assured that following the whole school photograph all pupils were told to remove their blazers, jumpers and ties for the remainder of the day, just as we have done every day this week.

“Three pupils were treated for the heat during the taking of the photograph but they did not lose consciousness.

“The catering staff were magnificent and ensured that there were constant jugs of water and cups available in the dining room for children to refill their water bottles or use the cups, at any point during the day. However, this did highlight the number of pupils who did not have a water bottle in school on such a hot day.

“Unfortunately a rumour did go round the pupil body stating that if enough pupils fainted then the school would be closed. We immediately had some pupils coming forward saying they felt faint; non fainted but all were appropriately treated by qualified staff. Once we knew of this rumour the pupils were told that as a boarding school we never close, regardless of how hot or cold the weather may be.

“Some pupils clearly felt the heat yesterday and were given cold drinks and were sat in the shade. Three pupils genuinely fainted and were treated by the Health Centre staff and qualified first aiders, one of these pupils was taken to hospital by ambulance but this was unrelated to the heat.”

Were your children affected by the heat at schools in Bromsgrove this week? Email yournews@bromsgroveadvertiser.co.uk or call 01384 358 232.