THERE is clearly something seriously wrong at Darwen Vale High School.

It’s very unusual for staff to go on strike in protest at a lack of support from above when they are dealing with unruly pupils.

That’s why the dispute made national headlines yesterday and why this newspaper previously put the story on the front page.

Teachers claim the head is too soft on wayward pupils – and that there are a significant number of them.

At the same time, they say she is too strict on staff – and seven are currently suspended.

The head is saying nothing publicly but the director of education maintains there are ‘no serious concerns’ about pupil behaviour.

With this factual conflict, it is difficult for anyone to work out precisely where the problems lie.

But it is clear that the council look pretty impotent.

They have already had several weeks to sort this out.

Now they must show some authority and ensure that Darwen Vale High School pupils don’t lose any further schooling.

This damaging situation for a once highly-rated school cannot be allowed to drift on unresolved into next term.