School facing contraception row

The school said it wanted to give pupils an informed moral choice

The head teacher of a Roman Catholic school has told how she was forced to contact police over her decision to teach some pupils about contraception.

Diana Vernon, of Woldingham School, in Surrey, was sent hostile letters and e-mails by anti-abortionists attacking the move to teach girls aged 14 and 15.

Anti-abortion group UK LifeLeague said the school did not have to teach it.

But Miss Vernon said pupils were given a "clear sense" of Catholic Church requirements, as well as other options.

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She said the independent girls school also followed Department for Education and Skills requirements.

"We make sure that the girls are aware of the options and then can leave here and make an informed moral choice for themselves," she said.

Miss Vernon added that she had advised police that the school had been targeted by anti-abortionists as a precaution, but there was nothing to suggest it was "under threat".

The letters and e-mails were received after the school and its e-mail address was mentioned in the e-newsletter of the anti-abortion group UK LifeLeague.

Spokesman James Dowson said the school e-mail address was readily available on any internet search.

"The principal says that she is teaching the National Curriculum.

"That is wrong because it is an independent school and they are not subject to the full National Curriculum, especially if you are a Catholic school, you do not have to teach about contraception," he said.