Pupils at a leading public school in west London are being urged to swap their blazers for hoodies to stop them being mugged outside the school-gates.

Boys at St Paul’s School, in Barnes, are being targeted by robbers because of their distinctive uniforms displaying the famous school emblem.

They are being told to wear hooded tops as they journey to and from the school so they blend in more easily with other local teenagers.

It is believed criminal gangs are targeting the boys at the £22,000-a-year school because they think they are carrying expensive items.

One parent told the Mail on Sunday there have been as many as 14 muggings in the past few weeks.

She said: “If anything they could get into trouble with teachers for keeping their uniform on these days. The mugging problem has become very bad lately.”

Teachers are now reportedly keeping watch on nearby Hammersmith Bridge as muggers target boys on either end because they know there is no way of escape.

The parent added: “They know these children have the best iPhones or the best laptops and iPads.”

Boys at the school usually wear charcoal grey trousers, a white shirt, a school tie with their corresponding house and a black blazer for formal events.

The school, whose former pupils include poet John Milton, Samuel Pepys and George Osborne, has been telling pupils to cover up their ties and wear trainers when walking home.

A source told the Mail on Sunday the no-uniform policy has been in place for six months.

The source added: “All pupils are now told never to leave the premises wearing their blazers.”

St Paul’s was contacted for a statement.