Anger as head says pupils' trousers must have school logo

More than 900 people have signed a petition calling on The Stourport High School to scrap the policy, with parents complaining they will have to shell out much more for the school-branded trousers than if they bought them from elsewhere.

The school's headteacher Chris King said the uniform changes had been made to 'maintain high standards' and 'remove peer pressure'. He also said the school would look to support families who struggled to afford the new trousers. The changes are due to come into force from September, with the trousers costing £20.

But parents have slammed the decision, with hundreds showing their dismay by signing up to the petition in just a few days.

Parent Carly Hendrick said: "Students should feel comfortable and confident- not expected to all fit one type and style,families who have little, or no disposable income should not be discriminated against amd expected to pay out a small fortune. Surely the school has bigger priorities than a logo on a skirt or pair of trousers."

Sharon Hobson said: "Unfair on parents on low income and more than one child having a logo on isn't going to make a child learn any better."

Mr King said: "In line with the majority of high schools and to ensure high standards of uniform, we are bringing in a consistent style of trouser for students from September 2016.

"While our overall costs of uniform are already below the majority of schools, we will continue to work with parents to ensure all students are able to meet our uniform expectations within a realistic budget cost.

"We, like our parents, wish to ensure that time in school is focused on learning. This policy will help maintain high standards while also removing the peer pressures of fashion and style that some students feel.

"To date we have received feedback from 29 parents, some very supportive and some concerned about cost. We will, as we always do, look to support those families that encounter difficulty with uniform costs. We will continue searching for cheaper providers that are able to supply trousers that meet our consistent expectations and provide parents with even cheaper alternatives."