STUDENTS staged a protest in the grounds of South Dartmoor Community College, Ashburton, after confidential, sensitive information was leaked through a computer.
Now college principal Ray Tarleton has written to all parents apologising after what appeared to be 'staff error'. It is believed students gained information of personal details and characters of other pupils after accessing a computer on which a document had been left open on a screen. The document is also believed to have contained medical records and other sensitive information. This week, the college refused to comment as to whether or not a woman teacher had been suspended. Mr Tarleton said a thorough investigation was being conducted into how the material was obtained by the students. While the college had reported the matter to the police, it had been decided to carry out the investigation internally. 'The information was from a variety of sources designed to help teachers make the transfer from primary school easier for students. Much of the material has now been destroyed and other essential information has been carefully edited,' said Mr Tarleton. He has apologised for any distress caused by the breach of security and assured parents that the system has already been tightened up. Mr Tarleton also called the students together after the discovery was made to explain what had happened.