A Lincolnshire school has been criticised after more than 100 children were removed from the classroom in just one day for reportedly wearing incorrect school uniform.
Pupils at the Tollbar Academy in Grimsby were separated from others and placed in the school gym on Wednesday after failing to wear the correct trousers or shoes.
One mum has claimed she was given less than 24 hours to find the appropriate uniform for her daughter.
Tollbar Academy
Facebook - Tollbar Academy/Sean Spencer
Speaking to the Grimsby Telegraph, one mum was told by the academy their child would work ‘in isolation for the whole of January” if they did not wear the right shoes.
“We were given less than 24 hours to change this and I couldn't afford to change them either.
"I didn't understand why she had to change her shoes though as she's worn the same ones since year seven.
"She hates school now and is miserable when she goes and when she comes back.
"I'm all for following policy, but this seems a bit extreme.
"I know one girl got put into isolation and had a panic attack over it because she'd never been told off before.
"It's frustrating that this is happening.
"If the students are naughty then fine, but we weren't given enough time to change things so I'm a little upset that this is what has happened."
Tollbar Academy
Facebook - Tollbar Academy
As a result, the mother has threatened to remove her child from the school.
The academy uniform policy says pupils must wear black, flat shoes, and that trainers, canvas shoes or boots are not acceptable. Other embellishments on the front ‘such as bows or hearts’ are also not permitted.
For trousers, they must be full length and tailored made from non-stretch material.
The school website offers parents photographs of what they deem to be acceptable.
A second mother, Karen, was told her stepdaughter would be pulled out of class and put in isolation if her trousers weren’t changed.
“Kids have got GCSEs to worry about. This is not what they need.”
A Tollbar Academy spokesperson said: "Tollbar Academy has a strict uniform policy which all students and parents are made fully aware of prior to joining the Academy.
"The uniform policy promotes a sense of belonging and equality in our community, and the vast majority of our students and their parents comply fully with this policy – for which we are very grateful.
“Unfortunately, a small number of students have not been complying with this. Despite a number of reminders, assemblies and input from form tutors throughout the autumn term, some students have continued to not follow the regulations.
"We recognise that a vital part of our role is to prepare students for life outside our gates – for example, in the world of work where they may be required to follow a dress code.
"In addition, in wider society we all have rules and expectations to follow.
"We thank the considerable majority of our students and parents who continue to support the Academy in taking pride in our students’ appearance; we have now taken appropriate measures to rectify any issues and enforce this policy.”
