Bedale High School in North Yorkshire only allows children to use toilets during morning break and at lunchtime.
More than 60 pupils allegedly stormed out of class over allegations the toilets were locked and water fountains turned off until lunch and break times.
Girls also claimed they bled through their uniforms and onto seats in class after their periods started unexpectedly.
Student Holly Harrison, 15, said she was temporarily excluded after organising the demonstration and said many of her female friends had been left ‘humiliated’ by the new rules.
She said: ‘People ended up just walking out of class because they were desperate and they were sent to the isolation room.
‘We were all sick of it. We didn’t want to explain to male teachers why we needed the toilet – it was uncomfortable.
‘Some girls had bled on to the seats and they were mortified that they had to sit there for the rest of the lesson.
‘Now 45 pupils have been excluded for this – it’s disgraceful when we have our GCSEs in 10 weeks’ time.’
A text received by Holly Harrison regarding the exclusion (Picture: Mercury News)
The school, which received a ‘requires improvement’ Ofsted rating last November, issued a new behavioural code to ensure students are more focused in class.
Mum-of-three Emma Cox, whose 14-year-old son Tyler has special educational needs, claims the new rules have made her son dread going to school.
‘The pupils are saying it’s turning into a prison camp,’ she said.
‘My son has a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis, learning difficulties, and ADHD and he is supposed to be able to drink and use the toilet during the day.
‘I called the school and they said I need a medical note to say he needs to use the bathroom, but that’s just setting him apart from all the other kids. It opens him up to bullying.
‘I can’t help but think of the health ramifications of all this. Most people know that you have to keep hydrated to stay focused.’
Holly’s letter of exclusion sent to her parents (Picture: Mercury News)
North Yorkshire Police were called to the school on Friday after reports of the mass strike.
‘PCSOs attended the school grounds and, after making enquiries, advised staff that this was not a police matter,’ a spokesman said.
North Yorkshire Council said the new rules are supported by the majority of parents and pupils.
A spokesman said: ‘A very small number of parents concerned by last week’s protest about the code by a group of students are meeting senior leaders and have been given one-to-one appointments with the headteacher to discuss their concerns.
‘As part of this the school has reminded students that toilets are freely accessible during specific periods at lunchtime and break time but that students who need the toilet during lessons, or need access for medical reasons, will be given access on request.
‘Toilets are not locked throughout the day. The school has stated that families and students were fully informed of the new behaviour code before half term and that many have given supportive feedback.’
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