School bans pupils from carrying 'inappropriate' designer handbags

Handbags like the one on the left, were deemed inappropriate. Credit: Credit: Ted Baker

Pupils have been banned from carrying designer handbags as schoolbags at a secondary school in Gloucestershire.

Several girls arrived for the first day of the new term All Saint's Academy in Cheltenham carrying what staff called "inappropriate" fashion accessories. They were told they should bring a rucksack the next day.

Teachers said such holdalls aren't suitable for carrying A4 files, books and PE kits - but some parents said the clampdown is "pathetic".

PARENTS' FURY

Some parents took to Facebook to criticise the decision.

Annabel Holland wrote: "Unless they provide every pupil with a school rucksack as part of the uniform I don't see how they can tell you what bag you can and can't take to school!"

Tracie Hale added: "They go to school for an education does it really matter what bag they use. Pathetic really."

Handbags like these were deemed inappropriate. Credit: ITV West Country
The school approves of styles like these, instead of the tote bags preferred by some. Credit: ITV West Country

Parent Martine Allen says that although she agrees with the school in principle, her daughter was given a warning about a schoolbag which, in her opinion, is totally appropriate.

Martine Allen says a tote bag like the one on the left fits all her daughter's books and school kit. Credit: ITV West Country

She continued "My daughter's bag is 36cm in height and width and a 15cm depth!

"It can carry all her books, PE kit, lunch, etc, in it at once.

"She was made aware that it was ideal before they broke up for the Christmas period but has come home today after being back for two days already saying that it isn't appropriate."

SCHOOL POLICY

The headteacher at All Saints' Academy issued new instructions on the style of bags that pupils should use and also banning them from using mobile phones in a letter to parents in December 2015.

Credit: ITV News

For clarity, the letter included photographs of the kind of bags he deemed suitable, and the kind of designer handbags he did not.Principal Dermot McNiffe said: "A school bag is an essential item for all our students.

"In keeping with our policy on excellent standards of uniform, we are requesting students use an appropriate bag for school that will contain books and folders of an A4 size."