An Aberystwyth school cracked down on students attending another climate strike – tightening rules after suggestions some pupils just used it as an excuse to get out of lessons.

The latest Youth Strike 4 Climate took place on Friday, 24 May, with dozens of students leaving school to join a march through the town.

Students from Penglais and Penweddig schools and Coleg Ceredigion marched to the Welsh Government buildings from the town bus station.

It followed previous events in February and March during which claims were made at the time that some Penglais pupils were blocked from leaving.

The school said that some pupils who were allowed out of school for the previous events failed to attend the strike.

This time, it laid down firmer rules and asked parents to make sure their children are serious about climate change before giving them a letter to authorise absence.

In a letter sent to parents ahead of the latest Friday climate strike action, Penglais school headteacher Mair Hughes said that students attending “must have a letter” from parents, and that the school “will not be able to authorise any absences for students to attend the protest” without one.

“We have been made aware that some students who left school last time did not attend the strike,” Ms Hughes said.

“It is important that students who choose to attend the strike do so for the right reason.”

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