Sixth-formers at Spalding Grammar School in Lincs were told it was banned because their bags could injure the younger pupils.
The ban claims “injury was being caused to younger students as a result of sixth formers carrying ever-larger bags on their shoulders”.
It added: “Bags of any size may be used to bring books and kits to and from school, but bags are not permitted in lessons during the day.
“Pupils are encouraged to carry books by hand for a maximum of two lessons at a time.”
An online petition began within days of the ban being enforced.
Hannah Catterall, who started petition said: “Students have been forbidden to carry bags such as backpacks to take books and provisions to lessons, which would enable them to get the most out of their educational experience.
“Being in the sixth form increases the amount of work drastically compared to lower years and therefore we are required to carry more items.
“By not permitting backpacks students are unable to carry revision materials to and from school with ease and therefore grades may dramatically decrease.”
The petition was removed after obtaining 463 signatures.
Parents of sixth-form students have fumed that the decision to ban bags was "ridiculous" and "absurd".
Bridget Allan, who has two children at the school, said it was ridiculous for female students because they would have to carry their sanitary towels.
She added: "I was outraged when I heard about the ban. I think it is ridiculous.
"This is something all of the girls and female teachers are talking about."
Clair Thacker, who has a son at the school, blasted the staff for not putting the students first.
She said: “My son attends this school and I was completely unaware of this absurd rule.
“Bearing in mind most sixth formers either walk to and from school or get public transport, surely the staff would rather the work was kept safe and students have everything they need with them on a daily basis?
“Sort it out and put your students first, a bit of common sense would be a breath of fresh air at this school!”
However, one cheeky student was suspected for two days for a silent protest over the bag ban.
Jacob Ford, 17, took his school supplies in things that were anything but a bag from a wicker basket to a microwave.
The A-level student also outlined his 3,000-word “document of defence” titled Bags in Sixth Form – My
Thoughts and A Potential Solution and he gave it to the headteacher Steven Wilkinson and other staff members.
He explains that even though the rule to ban bags has existed for more than 25 years it was never enforced until now.
He added: “The reasons for them changing is for one reason and one reason only which has been hammered into all of our brains over the course of the several assemblies that we've had.
“Health and safety. Or more specifically, the year sevens and one member of staff.
“These people have been struck in the face or knocked backwards by our bags swinging around in the corridor.
“Once again, I do not doubt this ever happening. But is the best solution really to outright ban backpacks?
He also claims the ban is unfair because parents and students will have to shell out cash for a new bag.
He said: “I believe that paying for a new bag which fits the school's updated regulations is outrageous.
“Especially this close to the start of the academic year, when many students have recently paid for new rucksacks, not knowing of the rule changes.
“These bags are effectively part of our school uniform and should be purchased once a year at a maximum. So me or my parents having to fork out around £40 for a new bag which fits with the school's policies is outrageous.”
Jacob’s mum Tracy said her son’s protest has been peaceful.
She added: “At the end of the day, I believe in freedom of speech and so I’m very proud for standing up for something he believes in. Microwave or no microwave.”
The school has declined to comment or provide further details of the uniform policy.
The school’s website outlines a uniform policy for sixth form for both male and female students, but bags are not detailed in the policy.
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