Dundee High School has expelled one pupil and suspended 18 more after they stole sweets, food and drinks from a newsagents during a power cut.
An inquiry has been launched by the school into the incident in the Bell Street shop, which had been plunged into darkness during the electricity outage.
The children then made off with their stolen goods before shocked fellow pupils informed teachers at the school about the incident.
It is understood the parents of those involved were called in to individual meetings with the school’s rector yesterday morning and 18 pupils from S2 and S3 have been suspended. The pupils involved have been described as being “extremely remorseful” and the school said all of them would be compensating the owner of the shop.
Dundee High rector John Halliday has apologised on behalf of the High School.
He said: “I am very disappointed indeed.
“The school sets and expects very high standards of its pupils and we have a clear set of guidelines regarding behaviour which our pupils are expected to follow at all times.
“As a rule our pupils uphold these standards.
“Unfortunately, in this instance a group of our pupils have not lived up to those standards.
“They have been dealt with swiftly and firmly.
“The school has acted to make it abundantly clear to the pupils that such behaviour is completely unacceptable and, in addition to the suspensions, the pupils have been given a very clear warning as regards their future behaviour.”
A parent at the £11,000-a-year school, who did not wish to be identified, said she was shocked to hear of the incident which happened last Friday.
She told The Courier: “This is mob rule.
“It is absolutely appalling behaviour from anyone but you especially wouldn’t expect it from Dundee High pupils.
“I feel dreadful for the shop owner and workers.
“Plenty of the school children go into Bell Street News during their breaks.
“I think this will have really hurt the school’s relationship with people and businesses in the city.”
Dr Halliday added: “To their credit, many of those involved came forward voluntarily and confessed, and they are in no doubt as to what their peers think of this.
“The pupils concerned are extremely remorseful for their actions.
“Many have already apologised individually to the shopkeeper and the rest will be doing so next week. All will be recompensing the owner.
“I can only apologise on behalf of the High School of Dundee for the behaviour of a tiny minority of our pupils who have brought the good name of the school into disrepute.”
A shop assistant at Bell Street News said that the incident was being discussed with the school and that he did not wish to comment further.
Police said they were not called to the incident.