Oxford's next 'student strike' could be 'even bigger'

Oxford saw one of the largest turnouts of any city in the country outside London during the last nationwide action on February 15, with as many as 2,000 people showing up to warn about climate change.

Now, activists are aiming to make their second attempt even bigger, during a global strike on Friday, March 15.

Read again: Student strike Oxford: All the pictures and reaction

Live: Huge demonstration as it happened

Since the first walkout, a worldwide movement of striking students has been gathering momentum, spearheaded by Swedish 16-year-old Greta Thunberg, who has been striking every Friday for more than six months.

Thousands of students have taken to the streets of various cities across various continents - so many, in fact, that it is increasingly difficult to keep track.

Read again: Oxford divided as headteacher compromises

Youth Strike 4 Climate, the national organisation behind the UK strikes, expect students from at least 40 countries to take part on March 15.

In Oxfordshire, students again plan to walk out of school next month to play a part in urging politicians to do more to tackle the environmental crisis.

Oxford-based environmentalist George Monbiot talks to the Oxford Mail at the last strike. Video: Harrison Jones

One organiser, Ella Mann, said she was in the process of forming another organisational group and explained: "I am sure that (this strike) will be bigger and better than the last one."

Another, Maya von Hauenschild, from The Cheney School, added: “As it was such a success last time, we’ll continue advertising it and hopefully it could get even bigger. There is also a possibility that some adult activists are going into schools to talk about the movement and why it is okay to miss school.”

She added that Cherwell was the only school she was aware of that did not authorise absences, but punishment remained unclear over half term.

Read also: Fourteen ways to start cutting plastic today

Alfie Richards, from Lord Williams's School in Thame, added: “Certain students considered not coming because there would be punishments for unexplained absences.

“I do plan to walk out again and I believe quite a few people will also. The pressure and publicity is a great reason to keep up the action. I think it’s very possible lots more students will (attend).”

Ahead of the last strike, South Oxford’s St Ebbes CE Primary School’s head, Tina Farr, told parents the school would not promote the strike ‘in any way’, reminding students that permission is needed to put up posters.

She added: “Governors would like to ensure parents realise we cannot endorse children taking time off school.”

Meanwhile, Windmill Primary head Lynn Knapp, who took a delegation of students to the strike, said turnout next time could be hit by a diary clash.

Declaring herself 'really pleased' with the last event, which she called ‘such a good day’, Mrs Knapp explained: “We already have plans for Red Nose Day so sadly (we are) unlikely to make the demo. We may well do something in school though.”