questionnaire on last month's teacher's walkout have been disciplined, it was revealed last night.

Head teachers were asked to complete a series of questions on how they handled children while teachers took time off to protest over attacks on them by pupils.

It is understood the majority of the Island's 27 principals did not complete the questionnaire -- but the Association of School Principals did respond on their behalf.

But Ministry officials answered with disciplinary letters for those who did not reply -- and letters of commendation for those who did.

Association of School Principals president Livingston Tuzo last night denied some TV and radio reports that principals had been asked to snitch on the whereabouts of teachers on the day of the protest.

Mr. Tuzo said: "It had nothing to do with teachers talking against teachers or vice versa -- it was strictly to do with principals and the children.'' It is understood the questionnaire quizzed principals on how they dealt with the staff walkout, which closed schools across the Island.

Mr. Tuzo declined to say how many teachers had refused to return the Ministry questionnaire -- but said it was a clear majority of the 27 school heads.

And he also declined to say what was in the letters of reprimand sent to those who refused.

But Mr. Tuzo confirmed: "A letter was written to us stating their objections to the action which we took in regard to our response.

Mr. Tuzo confirmed that the reprimands would form part of the affected principals' staff records at the Ministry -- but refused to comment further.

But it is understood the furious school principals want the letters taken out of their records and trashed.

And it is believed they are now looking at ways of having the Civil Service decision to discipline them reversed.

More than 500 teachers gathered at Warwick Secondary last month to demand better protection from unruly pupils.

The school was earlier the scene of an alleged assault on teacher Victor Coggin by a suspended student.

The alleged assault followed a string of incidents involving violence against teachers by pupils.

After the protest, Education Minister Jerome Dill introduced security guards at all secondary schools and said he would consider fencing to keep potential troublemakers off school grounds.

Police Commissioner Colin Coxall, who attended talks with teachers, vowed to boost the presence of Police officers around schools.

Chief Education Officer Joseph Christopher refused to discuss the issue last night.

And Education Minister Jerome Dill could not be contacted for comment.