Parents queue for THREE hours to buy new school uniforms as headteacher launches dress-code crackdown



Hundreds of frustrated parents queued for three hours to buy a new school uniform following a zero-tolerance crackdown by a new head teacher.



Mark Stenton has introduced a new dress code at Clarendon College in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, after it was criticised by inspectors.



Parents took time off work to buy the £45 uniform which is only available for two days in a temporary shop set up in the school hall.



Hundreds of frustrated parents queued for three hours to buy a new school uniform following a zero-tolerance crackdown by a new head teacher at Clarendon College in Trowbridge, Wiltshire

Mother Judith Hayne said the queue stretched out the gates of the 1,200-pupil school.



'Everyone was upset about it because some people had taken time off work to get there and others had small children with them who were hungry and getting restless.'

Some parents were already furious at the new uniform policy, saying it was too expensive and inflexible.

But Mr Stenton - who was appointed in June - has brushed aside the complaints and insisted he wants a 'suit like' uniform to create a 'professional environment' in the struggling school.

The new uniform was chosen by a group of pupils. They opted for charcoal grey jumpers, black blazers, black tie with thin gold stripes, white shirts, black trousers and skirts, and black leather shoes.



Kerry Hamlyn, who has two children at the school, said: 'The whole issue of the school uniform has been badly organised.

The £45 uniform is only available for two days from a temporary store in the school's town hall

Judith Hayne, whose daughter attends the school, waiting for more than two hours for the new uniform and said 'everyone was upset about it'

'Mr Stenton keeps saying there was a consultation on whether we wanted it, but there wasn't.



'Even if there had been, we wouldn't have wanted it. He seems more worried about their appearance rather than getting the school out of special measures.



'I've taken time out of work just to stand here for three hours. No one is happy about this.'



Some parents who were finally served at the sale day on Tuesday said they were given the wrong sizes because the measuring system had failed.



One mother, who did not wish to be named said: 'I've never seen a queue quite like this just to pick up a uniform we didn't even want. You can get served quicker in Tesco at Christmas.'



Year nine pupil Sheri Harvey added: 'We had a very long day waiting for my uniform.

Inspectors criticised the current uniform at the school, which has a roll of 1,200

'It is just pathetic to be honest. it is a good uniform and it looks smart but everyone is angry that it has taken so long to get it.'



Mr Stenton said: 'It was very challenging day and we wish to thank parents for their patience and resilience.



'Staff and volunteers worked non-stop for eight hours distributing the uniform and taking payments.



'Measurement issues will be taken up by the school with the supplier where problems arose.



'I would also like to thank all of those parents who said how pleased they were with the uniform and fully understand the need for change.



'Concerns about the length of time taken will be fully taken on board.



'It was a one off situation and uniform will be available throughout the school year from now on, enabling parents to purchase as required.'

