More than 1,200 pupils attend the school

Up to 60 youngsters from Seaham School of Technology, in County Durham, were sent home on 3 March after pranks during recent bad weather.

Head teacher Bob Dingle banned them for 15 days after one pupil suffered a detached retina when he was hit by ice.

Mr Dingle said the banned pupils had disobeyed instructions not to throw snow and ice.

Some parents have expressed concerns at the length of the imposed exclusions.

But Mr Dingle said: "I feel we have a responsibility to the whole community in Seaham.

"We have to be able to show very carefully and very strongly, both to pupils and their parents, that we take very seriously the way our young people are growing up.

"Sadly, at the moment, some of our young people won't actually do what they are told."

A spokesman for Durham County Council said matters of school discipline were the responsibility of respective head teachers.