A TEENAGER launched a petition in protest at proposed changes to the timetable at his Dawlish school.

Zachary Stevenson, 14, is autistic and a student at Orchard Manor School, a specialist SEN school.

School leaders had proposed a change to the school day by reducing the lunch break from one hour to 45 minutes and ending the day earlier.

While the proposal was intended to support students with complex needs, Zachary and many others believed it would have a negative impact on their wellbeing.

His efforts in securing support have succeeded and the school will not be changing the time of lunch breaks.

His mum Vicky Coombes explained: ‘For Zachary, lunchtime isn’t just about eating—it’s when he takes part in important clubs like Warhammer and Dungeons and Dragons, which provide routine, structure, and vital social interaction.

'He felt the reduced time would severely impact his ability, and that of his peer, to participate in the activities that support their mental health and development.

‘Zachary took it upon himself to start a petition, which quickly gained strong support from fellow students and families.

‘Despite some challenges, his efforts made a real difference.

'The school has now confirmed that they will not be changing the lunch break, thanks in large part to the feedback he helped gather.

‘We are incredibly proud of Zachary.

‘He showed leadership, determination, and courage by standing up for the needs of his school community, especially as a young autistic student in a specialist setting.

‘I think his story is a powerful example of how young people, even those who may find communication or advocacy more challenging, can have a real voice and drive change when given the chance.’

After his success, Zachary’s said: ‘I felt so strongly about it because of the effect that it would have on students social times at clubs and their mental health.

‘My mum inspired me to do the petition, but I carried it out.

‘I went around the school explaining the reasoning why it wouldn’t be a positive move to change the lunchtime, I had a mixed response, but mostly against the change and people were happy to talk to me about it, both for and against.

‘I felt like a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders when I succeeded.

‘I was so happy everyone would be able to enjoy their clubs and activity’s at lunch time and the teachers would get a good amount of break at lunch time too.’

Headteacher Nicola Jones said: ‘At Orchard Manor School, our values are integral to our educational approach.

‘We focus on teaching our students essential social communication and life skills, fostering their confidence over time.

‘We take immense pride in our students when they advocate for the causes they believe in.’

Orchard Manor School is a special school catering for 220 students aged four to 19 and provides education and care for pupils with communication and interaction difficulties, Autistic spectrum conditions and learning needs.