The Piper understands that the decision to prevent all of the sixth year pupils from entering the school was made following a series of last-day pranks, along with reports that a number of pupils had been spotted drinking outside of the school.

A 17-year-old male was arrested by the police after pupils protested the decision to deny them entry to the school on what is traditionally known as 'Muck Up Day'.

A police spokesperson said: "Grampian Police can confirm that at about 9.15am on Monday May 12, they attended Banchory Academy following a report of numerous pupils causing a disturbance. One male, aged 17, was arrested at the scene for breach of the peace."

As a last-day prank some of the sixth year pupils covered the floor of their common room with turf they had purchased from an internet website. The pupils reportedly used wheelbarrows to transport the turf into the school in a well-coordinated 6am dawn operation.

The pupils also placed a sign in front of the school saying 'Bonk-ory Academy' in reference to an article that had appeared in a Sunday tabloid earlier this year.

One of the sixth years from the academy told the Piper that the pupils were "very angry at not being allowed into the school as we have a right to an education."

Staff at Banchory Academy were remaining tight-lipped about events and despite repeated attempts by the Piper to contact head teacher, Sheila Di Maio, she refused to comment on the incident.

However a statement issued on behalf of the school from Aberdeenshire Council said: "Banchory Academy is extremely disappointed that the disruptive actions of a number of sixth year pupils has spoiled what was due to be an enjoyable day of activities to mark their last day of term.

"There was evidence that some pupils had been drinking and given the size of the year group the head teacher had no choice but to send all of them home, both for their own safety and to avoid any disruption to Standard Grade exams underway that day.

"This will be particularly disappointing for those sixth years who were genuinely looking forward to their last day of term.

"A day of activities had been planned but due to the actions of a minority of pupils this had to be cancelled. This is a very poor way for pupils to end their school career and we hope those who disrupted the day understand the upset their actions have caused."

Local councillor Karen Clark, who has a son at the school, agreed that some of the youngsters had overstepped the mark with their actions.

She said: "I am saddened to hear that this special day for sixth year pupils has been ruined by a minority who gave no thought to the consequences of their actions. The pupils' drinking is a step too far and I fully support the actions of head teacher Mrs Di Maio. The community is proud of Banchory Academy and its hard working staff and pupils and this unacceptable behaviour sets a very bad example to younger people."