School sparks furious backlash after banning jumpers until October - 'Dictatorial!'

Parents have slammed the move, which came into effect after the Easter break.

An email newsletter told parents jumpers were only required as an "extra layer of warmth during the colder months".

Parents have said the policy change has resulted in their children coming home wet and cold.

Headteacher Julian Kirby wrote: "It is therefore no longer part of the uniform after Easter until the October half-term.

"Please ensure that if your child wears a jumper, that they leave it at home when they return after the Easter break.

"Thank you for all of your feedback regarding the school uniform and the government intention to limit schools to four branded items. The governors will decide the changes to the uniform in the summer term.

"We will write to all parents to inform you of the changes with plenty of time to make purchases if needed in time for the new academic year."

Mother Natalie Navaratne said the decision was a "meaningless" issue.

She told The Sun: "My daughter wears the school jumper which is on the uniform list, so I don’t see the reasoning behind this decision.

"We as parents feel that students are able to make their own decisions on whether they feel like wearing a jumper to school or not."

She also said children with special educational needs may prefer to wear jumpers.

She continued: "It is very dictatorial. It isn’t unreasonable for me to say that I have ongoing concerns over the leadership style at the school."

Mrs Navaratne raised concerns the language used in the email enforcing the uniform was "rather dictatorial" and said the school's leadership was "authoritarian".

Sarah Filemar, told BirminghamLive her daughter had been placed in "isolation for the first three days" after Easter break.

She said: "It’s a school-branded, official jumper – it’s not like it’s her own clothes."

"All the teachers go to school in their jumpers, so why can’t the children?" she added.

Mr Kirby, issuing an update, apologised to parents on the school's website.

He said: "I communicated a change in the school uniform policy whereby the optional jumper would be removed from the uniform during the summer term. In recent years we have seen a considerable increase in Level 3 (L3) behaviour consequences being issued in relation to uniform adherence when the weather improves.

"A significant proportion of these issues have arisen from students notwearing their mandatory blazer or leaving it at home and instead choosing to wear the optional jumper, often citing that they are too warm.

"In light of this, the decision was made to remove the jumper from the summer term uniform list, which runs from after Easter through to October half term. This decision was not taken lightly.

"It was made with the intention of reducing avoidable behaviour incidents, ensuring clarity for students and parents, and supporting a consistent and fair approach for all. Our aim is always to create an environment where expectations are clear and where students can focus fully and maximise their learning.

"I would like to reassure you that this decision was carefully considered and it was made in the best spirit with endeavours to meet the needs of all of our students.

"However, I fully recognise that for some families, this change has caused concern, and for that, I am genuinely sorry."