Parents' anger as pupils suspended over uniform rules

FAMILIES SAY POLICY CHANGE SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE AT END OF SCHOOL YEAR AS THEY FACE COST OF BUYING NEW CLOTHING

- EMMA GILL

PUPILS have been sent home from school in a row over new uniform rules at a high school.

The changes have been brought in at Buile Hill Academy in Salford, which is being supported by a new education trust after failing to improve its 'requires improvement' Ofsted rating.

Before the Easter holidays, pupils were able to wear socks with their skirts, but have now been told they must have 60 denier black tights.

Footwear has also been an issue, with other students sent home for not meeting the required standards.

The school insists on 'plain black shoes that can be polished' which 'must be completely black with no logos, no strips, no large or coloured bows or clips!

It says families were notified of the proposed changes before the holidays when a parents evening was held and individual appointments offered 'to discuss any specific matters! 

At that meeting, it was explained that Northern Education Trust (NET), which has been brought in to help turn the failing school around, has 'an unashamed focus on high standards.

Some parents said their children were sent home on the first day of the new term yesterday because of uniform breaches. But they are angry at the school's new policy.