A Waikato school has suspended a 14-year-old accused of raping another student until his case goes through the courts.
The boy was granted bail by a Hamilton Youth Court judge, and returned to school the day after the ruling.
Youth Court rules prevent the naming of the accused, the alleged 16-year-old victim or the school.
The president of the Secondary Schools Principals' Association, Peter Gall, says the principal involved is angry about the unexpected bail ruling.
Mr Gall says common sense should have prevailed in making the decision because it is unacceptable for the accused to be allowed back into the school, which the alleged victim also attends.
He says the boy has a teacher's aid, along with other help, to make sure his education continues.
Principal Youth Court Judge Andrew Becroft said he can speak only in general terms, but such a situation is very unusual.
He says judges take bail decisions very seriously, but in the end the court is reliant on information provided to it, especially from police.
