Last updated 19:47, Thursday, 17 July 2008

A WORKINGTON school has launched its new £35 school uniform to make pupils look smarter.

Stainburn School has decided to ditch the old uniform in favour of a blazer and tie combination from September.

Headteacher Chris McGrath said that the school was raising its standards by introducing the uniform.

He said: “The children have been involved in what the new uniform would be.

“They were asked to give suggestions and what they didn’t like and we have had positive responses from the majority of people.”

The uniform will include a black blazer for boys and younger girls with a black fitted jacket for older girls. Both jackets will have the school crest embroidered on them.

Pupils will also wear a white shirt or blouse, a red and black or gold and black tie and plain black trousers or skirts.

However, one parent is refusing to buy the new uniform for her daughter.

Tracy Langsley, of Distington, whose daughter Keann will be entering her final year, said: “My daughter leaves school next year and the school have come out with the new uniform and told us that there will be no exceptions.

“The head told the ones in assembly they will be stuck in a classroom for their meals and break, and not be able to speak to the rest of the school.

“The uniform is just not worth it. It is not the price, it is the principle.”

Mr McGrath said that he alerted parents about the new uniform in December and specifically chose one that represented value for money.

He explained: “Pupils will not be taught in normal school lessons if they are not in uniform, which is what we do if pupils are in trainers or if their hair is dyed a funny colour.

“We have got certain standards we are going to maintain. I can’t make exceptions, all pupils will be wearing it. The fact they are going from year 10 to year 11 is immaterial.

“We have nothing to feel embarrassed about. The vast majority are welcoming it with open arms and they want to see the standards rising.”