The Department of Education says it stands by a southern Queensland school’s decision to suspend 39 students over a fight last week.

The students were suspended after a fight broke out between two year nine girls at Centenary Heights High School in Toowoomba.

The suspensions range from two days to five days for the girls directly involved in the fight.

The department says most of the students were suspended for either having knowledge of the fight or doing nothing to prevent it.

Regional director Greg Dickman says the school has a zero-tolerance on fighting and makes no apologies for the suspensions.

He says 36 parents have contacted the school supporting its actions.