More than 250 students demonstrated outside Calder High, Mytholmroyd, prompting neighbours to contact officers.

The youngsters, who waved home-made banners and chanted songs for two hours, only stopped when police warned them they were truanting.

Even then, dozens aged between 12 and 18 continued to strike on school grounds.

Calum Paramor, a Year 11 student who helped to organise the demo through social networking sites, said: "This is about standing up for what we believe in and sticking up for someone we care for."

They held the protest in support of English teacher Leonora Rustamova, known to pupils as Miss Rusty.

She was suspended at the end of January and is currently being investigated after publishing a book, Stop! Don't Read This, which featured students from the 1,300-pupil school.

Another teacher, Steve Cann, an English master, has also been suspended.

Calum, 16, a member of Calderdale's Youth Parliament, added: "Whether Miss Rusty was right or wrong to publish the book is irrelevant now.

"This is about an excellent teacher – a teacher who got the very best out of every pupil she worked with – being treated appallingly.

"It's nearly two months since she was suspended and we still have not been told what's going on.

"All we want is for her to be treated fairly and for the school to be more open about what is going on."

Another pupil, Brittany Cartwright, 16, of Todmorden, added: "She's more than a teacher. She's been a counsellor, adviser and friend to me."

She said the book had been written to encourage youngsters to read.
The school said although it recognised the concerns of pupils, there were complex legal reasons why the investigation could not be opened up to pupils.

Head teacher Stephen Ball said: "I do understand that a group of students wishes to express its support for teachers with whom they have worked for some time.

"However it would be wrong of me to take any action other than that which is consistent with my professional responsibilities.

"In considering the matters under investigation, I will always ensure the wellbeing of our students is paramount.

"Nothing is more important than their safety and welfare.

"The teachers at the centre of this matter are professionally represented and advised and it is in their interests that I continue to respect their entitlement to confidentiality.

"I have no intention of imposing any sanctions on the young people involved in the protest.

"While they represent a small proportion of our large student body, I recognise that their intentions are principled. Clearly they have expressed their views and they have been heard.

"I would now urge them to return to the important work they have in school, preparing for examinations."

Police said officers were called by a motorist. "Police were called to reports of a disturbance outside a school in Mytholmroyd at 9.20am.

"Officers maintained a high-visibility presence to reassure the public."

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