Strict uniform policies at Derbyshire schools 'utterly ridiculous' - say parents

Some parents of pupils at Tupton Hall school have been left surprised and angry after the school announced a new uniform policy last week – with uniforms now purchased from providers specified by the school.

Similar rules have been introduced in other schools in Derbyshire including Bolsover School.

Parents took to social media to share their opinions – with many complaining about the financial impact on the families.

Jo Godden said: “They are pricing kids out of education, and punishing them for the family struggling financially in a cost of living crisis. A solution would be a grant, so families on a low income could get it cheaper or for free.”

Ryan Hopkinson commented: “Utterly ridiculous and tone-deaf to add this additional burden to parents in the midst of a cost of living crisis.”

Kirsty Louise Allcock commented: “The Bolsover school have sent emails out too about exact same thing. I don’t know how they expect us parents to do it.”

Karen Cubbin added: “A lot of schools are doing this, saying that skirts have to be a certain length and a certain material. You can’t just buy a uniform from the supermarket, because it’s not right! A lot of families can’t afford to just go out and buy new uniforms. It needs to stop!”

Parents raised further concerns, criticising schools for sending pupils home over strict uniform rules and a lack of consideration for different body types.

Louise Blackburn said: “At Bolsover School the only choice is slim fit trousers - not exactly catering to kids with different body shapes.”

Emma Hatfield said: “I'm one of those parents and it's not just the price it's the fact we are now disallowed from going to a local company who have offered to embroider the logo on the items for a very low price.

"School have refused this and said if we do thst then our children may well be sent home due to the uniform not complying with policy. The logo they are wanting on will be on the waistband so won't be visible when the jumpers and blazers are on anyway.”

The schools declined to comment.