19 September 2023 , 09:46
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A school has been blasted for a "ridiculous" uniform change which has seen it ban girls from wearing long black socks - even in the autumn and spring.
The new rules at The King's Church of England Academy in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, dictate girls must wear tights during the autumn and spring terms, switching to ankle-length socks for the summer term. Parents are arguing against this outright ban, insisting their daughters should have the option to wear knee-high black socks throughout the year.
One disgruntled mum said: "Ridiculous new school rules are causing havoc at The King's Church of England Academy. Girls have to wear tights in the autumn and spring terms and they can wear socks during the summer term. But only ankle socks not long socks. The majority of the girls wear long socks and they look smart. There are staff walking around the school telling the girls to roll their socks down."
Speaking to StokeonTrentLive, the frustrated mum added: "It is a great way to start a term by causing a rift between staff and pupils. We really need them to concentrate on teaching." Another disgruntled parent voiced their frustration: "It feels like every year the rules are getting more strict over uniforms. Personally, as a parent, I feel the focus should be more on teaching and supporting students.
"Yes, I am all for uniform but forcing girls to wear tights is a little regimental. As long as they are in the blazer, skirt at a reasonable length, and long black socks to the knee I don't see what the problem is. We are told to encourage our children to be their own person, be true to themselves, be proud, and be their best selves - and then penalise them for wearing socks. I can't help but feel they will be forced to wear trousers in the future."
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However, not all parents are against the school's stance. One parent backed the school, asserting: "Tights are much more appropriate with the lengths of girls' skirts." This heated debate comes as the school has issued reminders to parents that leggings and trainers are also not part of the approved uniform.
A spokesman for Three Spires Trust, which oversees the school, defended the policy, saying: "The King's Church of England Academy prides itself on the highest standards for our students and this includes uniform in order to ensure that all students are ready to learn and show that they are part of one community. This year, the academy uniform policy underwent consultation in the spring and all parents and carers were notified of changes ahead of September."
In an outpouring of community spirit, parents and carers have shown overwhelming support for the academy's focus on the minutiae. A handful of families are currently receiving assistance from the academy to address any remaining issues in adhering to the academy's uniform standards.
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