As a parent I think it's ridiculous that the privilege has been removed before the new year 11's had chance to prove themselves. I attended this school between 83 and 88 and every year was allowed out at lunchtimes. I can probably count on one hand the number of incidents that took place over 'the shops' on a lunchtime. Has the new head considered the damage he may be doing to the local businesses that are used to the trade of the school children, and as for the children eating healthier in school that's rubbish. If I take my year 11 child for his lunch the majority of the time he would buy a sandwich and juice rather than plump for the pastry/chips/pizza option.  I seriously think the new head should off sought the advice of parents first, as the majority of children I know wish to go out !!

#5: Marge - Lunch 

Adding onto your argument of talking about the local business apparently the new head teacher says he went around 'the shops' and told them individually about our new terrible rule and they apparently agreed and said that they were happy with 'gangs' of students not invading there shops.He practically assumed we were all going to do something illegal and disrupt the peace