Schools are rejecting a move towards the use of biometric technology.

Systems using electronic fingerprints to buy lunch or borrow library books appear unlikely to become widespread in Brighton and Hove after a consensus of opinion against them.

In a survey of all 75 schools, only Falmer High School said it was likely to introduce a system in the future. Four schools said they had already installed biometric technology but one had since discontinued the trial.

In total, 37 schools said they were not considering using the systems at all, while another nine said they would not rule them out but said it was unlikely they would use them.

Chris Pearson, head of Goldstone Primary in Hove, said: "I just can't see a need for it. These systems are quite expensive and I think the money can be used in better ways."

Biometrics have been opposed by campaign groups including Leave Them Kids Alone, which says they infringe on privacy by collecting children's personal data.

Other opponents include shadow schools minister Nick Gibb, MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, who has claimed they are being promoted by businesses interested in their own profits. Supporters say they can boost security and make it easier to monitor attendance.

The survey was conducted by Brighton and Hove City Council to help develop guidelines for the use of biometrics. It will consider the results at a meeting at Hove Town Hall today at 5pm.

The report suggests recommending careful consideration of a range of information sources and clear consultation with parents before bringing in any systems.

Stuart McLaughlin, head of Falmer High, said he anticipated the technology being part of the academy earmarked to replace the school in 2011.

He said: "It has been fairly standard in academies around the country so we are likely to use a system for catering and registration, whether that is with cards or fingerprints or anything else.

"I don't have a strong view about it myself but we know it is something that concerns parents so we'll take care over the decision."

Five of the city's secondary schools - Portslade Community College, Patcham High, Dorothy Stringer, Hove Park and Cardinal Newman Catholic School - said they were not considering using biometrics at all.

Blatchington Mill and Longhill High said they had no current plans and Varndean School said it would consider using a system in future if it became more common. Systems which use thumbprints to bring up children's library records are currently in use at Bevendean Primary, Mile Oak Primary and St Martins CE Primary.

Carden Primary has the technology installed but said it was impractical and they had stopped using it.

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