BBC News Online highlights the views of the different parties involved.

Sue Aldred, mother of one of the pupils: "I think boys that do this sort of thing should be punished in some way but I do feel that a permanent exclusion is not the answer to this.

"Do you not feel that they have been punished enough? They have missed five months of schooling now in what is an important year.

"A pupil referral unit is completely out of the question as far as I'm concerned. I do not feel that my son would get the results that he would in mainstream school."

Teacher Steve Taverner: "I am extremely relieved that Estelle Morris has intervened into this case and I think credit must be given to her and her advisers for acting so quickly.

"It's not just about me. The welfare of other staff and pupils is put at risk by the panel and completely undermines the authority of headteachers and schools.

"In a funny way, I feel sorry for the boys and I want them to find another school as soon as possible so they can continue with their GCSE courses.

"I hope their parents see the light and let them get on with their education. They need help and support through this time."

Chairman of Governors Audrey Cooper: "This is the second time in 18 months that an appeal panel has overturned the school's decision to expel a pupil. It should be realised that we only opt for expulsion in extremely serious cases.

"The panels' decision simply undermines the school's ability to make decisions which make the school a safe place for everyone."

Chris Keates, deputy general secretary of teachers' union NASUWT: "The time has now come to give serious consideration to fast-tracking legislation to abolish this unnecessary process, which is undermining the efforts of teachers and the government to tackle pupil indiscipline."

Steve Clarke, deputy director of education, Surrey County Council : "We are committed to exploring every possible avenue but it would not be reasonable to expect anyone to make an on-the-spot decision.

"I think everybody needs some quiet time to consider what the best options are to pursue. In the meantime, alternative education provision is being offered for next week."

Education Minister Stephen Twigg: "I acknowledge that the secretary of state cannot direct in these individual cases. What we can do is try to use our influence and our good offices and that is what we're trying to do now.

"This is a very extreme case and that is why we have said we want to give our full support as a government to the headteacher and governors of the school.

"It was very, very extreme and there cannot be a question of these two young people going back to that school."