A Swindon school has responded to complaints its uniform policy is so strict it is like the “military”.

Despite a petition with hundreds of signatures opposing an apparently over-zealous uniform policy at Nova Hreod, the academy says rules have been welcomed by “all but a handful of families”.

A new principal, James Harding-Mbogo, joined the academy at the start of the new school term, with the petition appearing the day after students returned on September 4.(Image: Nova Hreod)

The petitioner suggests uniform policy has become more important than education, saying: “Recently, Nova Hreod’s uniform policy has converted into a strict system reminding many of military service. Students and parents have been severely affected.

“Numerous stories this week tell how children have been sent home and denied their education due to wearing the wrong coloured socks.”

The petition, with 317 signatures at the time of writing, admits the importance of uniform policy, but says new changes were published too late and have forced carers “into spending additional and unnecessary amounts of money on uniform”.

The rules themselves “encourage students to feel negative towards not only the uniform itself but also the school” as they are “burdened, troubled or anxious simply due to what we are wearing”.

The school has questioned the claims that insufficient warning was given or the policy is too strict.

Further, it denies policies are widely opposed and that there were major significant changes to the uniform policy.

A spokesperson said: “In common with every other school across the country, the beginning of the academic year provides an opportunity to reset expectations about key issues such as behaviour, attendance and uniform.

“We are very pleased that the overwhelming majority of students at the school have embraced this and are beginning the new year as they and we would like.

“Families were told on a number of occasions last term that the uniform policy would be adhered to in full this term and this has been welcomed by all but a handful of families. 

“No students have been suspended because of uniform issues and any student inappropriately dressed has been offered alternatives by the school.”

The school says that the only change to the uniform policy was that black trainers were no longer suitable and all students would have to wear black polishable shoes.

It claims that last term and over the summer holidays, parents and students were informed that students would be expected to comply with the existing uniform policy fully from September.

The Advertiser has been speaking to Nova Hreod parents and guardians about their experience. To get in touch, email ben.gardner@newsquest.co.uk