Sean Atkinson, 43, staged a protest because his son is not getting a full-time education.

Sean junior, 10, attends Berwick Middle School but gets a limited education because crossing times on the causeway mean he can only go to school at certain times.

Sean and his wife Jacqueline, 53, who run Lindisfarne Hotel, have slammed education providers for not giving their son the education they say he deserves.

The family moved to Holy Island in May. After speaking to the school, they were told tutoring would be arranged for times when Sean couldn't get in, but it never happened.

They have contacted children's services at Northumberland County Council and have written to Sir Alan Beith MP about their concerns. Mr Atkinson said: "We contacted the education department to make sure things were in place for him when we moved onto the island, but when we moved here we found out that nothing was in place.

"He has missed out on a whole lot of school, which has been reflected in his SATS results. As a parent, if I was to keep my child from going to school I would be prosecuted.

"All we have asked for is a private tutor to come home with him until the causeway reopens. It's not child care we are looking for, it's education."

He made his protest during the Earl of Wessex's visit to make a point. He said: "I didn't want to spoil the visit, I just wanted to grab some attention."


Mr Atkinson has looked at sending Sean to Longridge Towers School in Berwick but there are no boarding vacancies.

A county council spokesperson said: "Before the family moved onto Holy Island, staff at Northumberland County Council advised them that organising education for children who are over first school age is difficult due to the tides. In the past we have been able to use the boarding facilities at Longridge Towers School but unfortunately there are currently no places available. We are in regular contact with the family to try and find a solution."