A high school in England has banned students from wearing expensive winter coats in an attempt to stop the shaming of those less fortunate or struggling financially.

Woodchurch High School in Birkenhead, located in northwestern England, sent a letter to parents earlier this month announcing that the restriction would be enforced after Christmas.

Rebekah Phillips, the head teacher at the school for students 11 to 16 years old, told CNN that she was "mindful that some young people put pressure on their parents to purchase expensive items of clothing," but that these jackets "cause a lot of inequality" between the students.

"These coats cause a lot of inequality between our pupils," Phillips said. "They stigmatize students and parents who are less well off and struggle financially."

According to CNN, almost half – 46 percent – of the 1,427 students at Woodchurch come from a disadvantaged background.

The banned coats include the brands Canada Goose and Moncler. Coats from these brands start at around $500 and can get as expensive as almost $2,000. Phillips told CNN that she's gotten feedback from children, saying the cost of one coat "is our rent for the month."

Additionally, Phillips said she's gotten positive feedback from parents on her attempt to "poverty proof" the school, and a former student wrote to her after the announcement commending the decision.