BHS students used toilets during lessons 850 times last week

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture says pupils at Ballakermeen High School were allowed to use toilets during lessons more than 850 times in five days.

The school's policy on toilet visits hit the headlines last week after the school's head said they'd be restricted because students were abusing the privilege.

A Freedom of Information request to the department asked how many times last week students went to the loos during lessons - the DESC said 854 times.

However, it added it doesn't keep data about how many bathroom requests were denied.