Parents protest at school's new uniform rules
The school said parents were consulted about the changes
- Published
Parents have started a petition against new uniform rules at a Derbyshire school.
Tupton Hall School, in Chesterfield, has requested that pupils wear clothing made by just a few approved suppliers.
Some parents have complained the switch will cost them more than sourcing uniform items from supermarkets.
School leaders said it was providing free uniforms to some pupils and discounts to parents with multiple children there.
Sharna, who has a son at the school, told the BBC: "Everyone is struggling. We are a working family and we are finding it tough anyway.
"For them [the school] to add additional costs is really hard right now.
"The thing should be how can we make education more fun?
"How can we make children want to come to school, instead of putting these barriers constantly in front of them by saying you have got to wear this."
Sharna Calver, who has a son at the school, has said it will create additional costs for parents
At the school 33% of children are eligible for free school meals compared to the national average of 25%.
The approved new trousers and skirts feature the school logo but another parent, Emma, said these were likely to be covered up.
"When the children have their jumpers and blazers on it's not going to be seen anyway - that's what the uproar is about, she said.
She added she currently buys her daughter's uniform from Asda and it would cost nearly three times more to use the selected suppliers.
School head Andrew Knowles said parents were consulted about the change in April and agreed the uniform was important to them.
He said: "We have been working with a number of suppliers to offer a standard trouser or skirt in readiness for September 2024.
"We recognise that costs of uniform are a concern for all families in the current economic climate.
"Since sharing our plans, some parents have raised concerns over the cost of these trousers and skirts.
"School had already shared that the first item provided would be free, and now there has been further feedback from our families, a further discount has been applied to the trouser and skirt for additional purchases next academic year that bring them in line with high street providers and supermarket prices."
He added the suppliers would be offering discounts to parents who had multiple children at the school.
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