Felixstowe Academy pupils launch petition over dress code

Felixstowe Academy opened in 2014 replacing the town's Orwell High and Deben High comprehensive schools

More than 600 people have signed a petition asking for a school to consider changing its new dress code for sixth formers.

Felixstowe Academy in Suffolk sent out letters last week telling parents its casual approach had been replaced by a dress standard "suitable for a business environment".

Many pupils have used the petition to criticise the decision.

The school said it was a vital part of raising educational standards.

The Ipswich Star's report has attracted comment for and against the idea, as has BBC Suffolk's Facebook page.

'Individuality'

One parent told BBC Radio Suffolk her daughter was thinking of transferring to a different school: "They're 16-year-olds whose individuality is coming out and they should be allowed to wear what they want.

"They should be focussing on education, not the uniforms."

Sixth Form dress code at Felixstowe Academy

• Suit or smart jacket with tailored trousers for boys

• Shirts with ties "desirable but not essential" for boys

• Jackets with matching skirt, dress or full length tailored trousers for girls

• Collared shirts or blouses for girls

• Skirts and dresses of "appropriate length" for girls

• Unacceptable dress code includes trainers, boots or canvas shoes, obtrusive jewellery, nose or eyebrow studs and "outlandish" hair styles or facial hair

Source: Felixstowe Academy

A sixth former who contacted BBC Radio Suffolk anonymously said: "We had the privilege of non-uniform and now they're taking it away.

"We have a great new principal and we will support his decisions, but not to the extent that he requires."

Anthony Williams, the principal, said "a significant majority of parents" backed him.

"The only way you can move a school to outstanding is to establish the culture and ethos and it has to be of high standards and high expectation," he said.

"I've shared [the idea] with the sixth form and there was an overwhelming sense of buy-in and applause."

The deadline for pupils to abide by the new dress code has been extended until October and parents have been told they can talk to the school over costs.