Advertisement

Pupils miss lessons on first day because of school uniform

Parents say a huge number of pupils at William Howard School, in Brampton, were put in isolation because of their uniforms.

The school has hit back, saying fewer than 100 pupils were spoken to on the first day of term.

View all 7 updates ›

School: only '80 pupils' spoken to about uniform

The school has hit back. Credit: PA

The head of William Howard School has rejected claims from parents that hundreds of pupils were sent home, or put into isolation, because of their uniform.

Domenic Volpe says that 80 pupils were "spoken to" about their uniform on the first day of term, and 40 students the following day.

He says no pupils have been excluded, and "no students were sent home as a result of uniform policy".

William Howard is one of the highest performing secondary schools in the county, with 1500 students. We pride ourselves on fostering a positive working environment offering not only academic success but also opportunities for students to experience a whole range of exciting activities. The school has always set high standards in all areas, including uniform. Our expectation is that all students should attend school in the approved uniform.

In July 2015, in preparation for the new term, a letter was sent out, reminding parents of our expectations in relation to school uniform. This was overtly welcomed by many parents. Students were also reminded of the school policy at assemblies prior to the summer break. This was followed up in our welcome assemblies on Tuesday, 8 September when we reiterated our expectations about uniform to the students.

On the first day of term - Tuesday 8 September - there were 80 students, mainly in the upper school, who unfortunately did not return with the correct uniform. After the morning assembly, these students were spoken to about the lack of conformity with the policy. The school then made every effort to resolve any issues, including assistance with providing school uniform including shoes.

Today, Wednesday, 9 September, the numbers have dropped to 40 students who are still not wearing the correct uniform. This rapid reduction has been achieved because of fantastic support from parents and carers who have been working with the school to endorse our uniform policy.

The school will resolve the small number of outstanding concerns with parents in the next couple of days.

During this period any students affected have been given appropriate work to complete. The aim is to get students fully integrated back into the school community as soon as possible. This approach has been warmly welcomed by the vast majority of the school community. I would like to thank all parents for their support.

No students have been excluded from school while the uniform issues are being resolved.

No students were sent home as a consequence of the uniform policy.

– Domenic Volpe, Head of William Howard School
  1. Read more
  2. 7 updates
Pupils miss lessons on first day because of school uniform

More top news