School postpones controversial uniform change that sparked backlash

A controversial uniform change forcing pupils to wear only branded skirts and trousers has been postponed by a school in Hyde. Parents criticised the move by Alder Community High School to introduce its own bottoms with a green trim on the pockets and waist bands.

They said the products, which it is understood can only be bought from two suppliers in Hyde, will leave them paying double the price of supermarket uniforms .

While trousers and skirts can be picked up cheaply at budget shops, they’ve been told the trousers and skirts will cost £14.99 a pair.

But the school says it is now postponing the move ‘because of a supplier issue’ and will now be consulting further with parents.

Parents complained they were being left out of pocket by schools insisting on pupils wearing items with logos. This is despite government guidance to ‘keep compulsory branded items to a minimum’.

A mum of one Alder pupil, who didn’t want to be identified, said: “To introduce special trousers with piping detail as standard uniform means we could no longer buy cheap black trousers and would have to pay more than double for them instead. In my opinion this is not prioritising the cost to parents.

“They can only be bought from their approved uniform suppliers. Lots of parents are very unhappy but we have been told that they want everyone in exactly the same style and it will save confusion.“I know someone has complained directly to the head. She said the quality is poor for the money too.”

Today Alder Community High School headteacher Richard O’Regan said: