Recently several residents have contacted the Ross Gazette to say that they think the uniform policy at John Kyrle High School is being adhered to too strictly, and such matters as the kind of socks, or the length of skirts should not be a disciplinary matter.

School uniform is often a contentious issue, especially for secondary school age pupils. However most schools have a uniform policy in place for a variety of reasons. These include ensuring pupils are wearing comfortable clothes which are sensible for the activities they participate in while they are in school. It is also a way of bringing pupils together as a community.

Headteacher of John Kyrle High School, Nigel Griffiths, told the Ross Gazette: “Our students are distinctive in their uniform and we always tell them they are ambassadors in the community.”

John Kyrle has a Code of Conduct which sets out the rules they expect students to follow and the consequences which may arise if these rules are broken.

This includes wearing full school uniform. The boys’ uniform is as follows, black trousers (formal / tailored), black sweatshirt with School badge, red polo shirt with school badge, black socks (over the ankle) and plain black shoes.

The girls’ uniform is black trousers (formal / tailored). The School’s preferred option is for all students to wear trousers. If a skirt is worn it must be knee length and worn with black tights. It must be a tailored skirt and not a stretch style, black sweatshirt with School badge, red polo shirt with School badge, black socks (over the ankle) and plain black shoes.

Consequences for not wearing the correct uniform can range from warnings and extra work to isolation and exclusion.

The school has taken into account the current hot weather and Mr Griffiths has relaxed the uniform policy allowing pupils to wear formal shorts or JKHS PE shorts.See the full story in this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, or subscribe to our online edition here