Prior to the opening of the Thomas Deacon Academy in September 2007, Dr McMurdo said the £50 million school would have no playground or break times.

However, pressure from parents and pupils, who raised a 1,600-name petition, has prompted Dr McMurdo to lift the ban.

Pupils are now permitted to go to a new "outside area" complete with seats to soak up th early summer sun for short periods during their lunch break.

In May 2007, Dr McMurdo told The Evening Telegraph that "if children are enjoying lessons, then there will be no need to go and run off steam outside".

Today, he said: "After consulting with children and parents last year, it was always our intention to let the children outside and enjoy the environment.

"We were not able to let them outside while the demolition of Deacon's School was taking place, but now that has finished we are able to let them out.

"It was never our intention to imprison them inside."

Welcoming the news, parent William Wright said the school had never cited to him that the demolition of Deacon's was a reason for stopping children going outside.

He said: "I think we have got a victory.

"We wanted children to be able to go outside during the lunch hour.

"We think they have caved in to the wishes of parents and children.

"I'm glad they have done a U-turn and done the sensible thing."

Anne Kerrison, whose 15-year-old son Matthew attends the school, added: "It is a victory for the pupils and everyone who campaigned against the plans."

When The Evening Telegraph spoke to pupils outside the school in Queen's Gardens, there was universal support for the outdoor area.

Sophia Curran (14) said: "Being able to go outside breaks up the day. It's nice to be able to get some fresh air."

Alice Hall (15) said: "It was a bit stuffy and cramped inside and we used to be told to just open a window."

And Richard Hingston (15) said: "It is especially nice being outside on hot days.

"If you stay in school for too long it gets tiring. Being able to come outside relaxes the mind."

The academy's director of innovation Steve Warburton said: "We have listened to parents and students who were particularly keen that we got this space.

"It's not a playground, it is an outdoor space that people can go to. It is phase one of an ongoing project which will see further areas opened up to the pupils, including an eco-garden."

Related: Parents tell academy to give pupils a break
MORE than 800 people have signed a petition calling for a playground and break-times at the city's new Thomas Deacon Academy. 31 July 2007