School backs down on plan to make parents buy trousers and skirts with logo

The Stourport High School was set to introduce the new rules from September meaning parents would have to pay much more for uniform than if bought at supermarkets or discount stores.

But leaders have now made a U-turn due to widespread anger among parents.

More than 900 people signed a petition calling on the school to scrap the policy, with many parents complaining about the added expense of buying the school-branded trousers and skirts, which cost around £20.

Headteacher Chris King said the uniform changes were going to be introduced to 'maintain high standards' and 'remove peer pressure'.

But in a letter to parents, he explained the policy had now been dropped.

He wrote: "We had almost 40 comments in total and while there was a mixture of views the main concern parents that spoke to us raised was that of cost and choice of supplier.

"Clearly we don't wish to cause additional costs to parents and therefore we will not change our policy for September but instead reinforce and remind students and parents of the current requirements over the summer term to ensure all students are in correct uniform."

The school originally said it would 'work with parents' to ensure everyone was able to afford the new uniform but leaders have now bowed to pressure from parents, some who said they would simply refuse to comply with the changes. Hundreds made their feelings known on an online petition which was set up by parent Hayley Newton.

Scott Chambers was among those to vent his anger.

He said: "I would expect this sort of draconian decisions from an expensive private school. Not a local high school. The cost of the items obviously haven't been discounted in any way. It's ridiculous."

Ashleigh Grove said: "A child does not learn because they are wearing the same trousers as the person sitting next to them, a child learns because the teachers make a stimulating and enjoyable learning environment."