Outraged parents took to social media after rumours that meat-free Mondays were to be introduced at Keswick School.
And Eden farmer and best-selling author James Rebanks also waded into the row, branding the move “bloody stupid and insulting to the local farming community”.
But the head of the school has called their reaction ridiculous, stating that there was never any intention of setting aside a day for vegetarian-only lunches.
Headteacher Simon Jackson has also accused the parents of showing a lack of respect for the pupil-run school council.
“The truth of the matter is that on Monday we had a number of vegetarian options on offer at lunchtime, because the democratically-elected school council said they’d like to try it.
“At no time was it suggested that meat-free Mondays would be a permanent fixture, and we have no intention of doing so.
“In fact, on the Monday in question there were bacon and sausage sandwiches available at break time.”
Despite this, rumours quickly spread on social media, with some parents posting their opposition to the idea.
