Concerns over CCTV cameras in schools

A new survey by a privacy campaign group has revealed that schools are using CCTV cameras in toilets or changing rooms.

More than 200 schools, including eight in the east of England, are using the cameras according to figures released by Big Brother Watch.

A total of 825 cameras were located in the toilets or changing rooms of 207 schools across England, Scotland and Wales, showed figures provided by more than 2,000 schools.

Almost one in 10 of the schools which use CCTV said cameras were positioned in such places, while 54 have more than one camera for every 15 students.

Nick Pickles, director of Big Brother Watch, said: "This research raises serious questions about the privacy of schoolchildren across Britain, with some schools having one camera for every five pupils and hundreds of schools using cameras in toilets and changing rooms.

"The full extent of school surveillance is far higher than we had expected and will come as a shock to many parents."

Big Brother Watch, published the figures following a Freedom of Information Act request to more than 2,000 schools.