Aston Academy uniform row: Nearly 700 people sign petition to relax "draconian" and "ridiculous" uniform rules

A secondary school near Sheffield is facing heavy criticism and a petition with 691 signatures against strict school uniform rules that have left pupils held in detention or taken out of school.

An earlier petition with 400 signatures, started in June, also argued against the new uniform policy before it came into play this September.

Last week, hundreds of pupils were taken out of lessons at Aston Academy, Swallownest, for wearing the wrong shoes, trousers and skirts. Parents say they have been told their children are not allowed to return until they have corrected their uniform.

Richard Green, who started the petition on Monday, said on the change.org page: "My daughter went to school today in policy approved footwear and a policy approved skirt, however she was sent to reflection as they were not allowed to be worn together.

"We are four days into the academic year and I along with many other parents have had to take their children home therefore depriving them of an education."

Pupils who go into school despite not having changed their uniform to meet the guidelines have been kept in internal exclusion.

Green adds: "In a meeting today a reason for school uniform policy was 'to promote a professional appearance for when they leave school' and to educate them on the need for uniforms. Meeting Ofsted report and scoring points is more important to the school.

"Nothing about the child’s education was mentioned in the meeting."

One parent told The Star that a hall that had been set out with over 200 tables for students wearing non-compliant uniform. The hall was full and an overflow room had to be used.

Danielle Golland said on the petition: "As a new parent to the school, I found the uniform expectations really hard to follow. Also, the very vast majority of employers do not place this level of expectation upon people with their dress code. It is very outdated!"

Concerns about the wellbeing of the pupils, some of whom have found the rules and internal exclusion to be upsetting or embarrassing, are also expressed by parents.

Sharran Brown commented: "The most important thing is a child's education and mental health. Which will suffer dramatically if this is not sorted out amicably between school and parents. This does not give a good impression to the students."

Aston Academy’s said on social media: “Uniform checks will continue daily and any students wearing incorrect uniform may not be able to access their normal lessons.”

It advised any parents who require support in sourcing uniform to contact the school via [email protected]. 

The Star has approached Aston Academy for further comment.