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Parents and pupils won’t wear idea of new uniform
Academy bosses ‘failed to consult properly over move’, claim
PIMLICO Academy bosses are under fire for introducing a new school uniform without consulting parents or pupils on whether they want one or not.
The full uniforms – including a navy blue sweatshirt, light blue polo shirt, swimsuit, towel and PE kit – are costing the school up to £375 each.
Hoodies and T-shirts with logos have been banned for sixth formers who will be given a £60 budget to buy plain clothes so they can dress in “a manner suitable for learning”. Jewellery has been banned. Only watches and small-stud earrings can be worn.
Pupils who want to dress in their own clothes have launched a petition against the uniform, arguing “we have to wear it day in, day out. We think we should have a say”.
Parents say the uniform is being introduced as part of a rebranding of the former community school, which was transformed into a privately run academy last September, and will stifle individualism.
One, who did not want to be named, said: “Parents were never really consulted about the changes to the school uniform being implemented in September helping to rebrand the school. This appears to have been decided by the sponsor, with a tiny “uniform committee” which included three parents, ultimately brought in to sanction it without asking the wider school community for its views. An estimated £70,000 of taxpayers’ money is being used to introduce it in the first year.”
Parent Mark Taha added: said: “At the very least if all schools have them, what becomes of freedom of choice? Some of the top schools, St Paul’s Girls, Camden Girls, Queen’s College, manage fine without them.”
The school said: “The academy will continue to use the Pimlico School uniform for a period of time while we consult parents on the design of the new uniform. Once the design of the new uniform has been agreed we will introduce it free of charge to all students.”
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