A secondary school in Norfolk has come under fire from mums and dads after 30 students were sent home on the first day of the September term, due to 'incorrect footwear'. Taverham High School's headteacher Dr Roger Harris has confirmed that because of their shoes the pupils weren't allowed into the classroom on September 6.
As reported by the Norwich Evening News, the educator had previously sent an email to all parents on June 23 explaining what footwear was considered appropriate for school. He went on to warn that any pupils who did not wear smart black shoes deemed "appropriate for the workplace" would be turned away - even if their shoes had been acceptable before the summer holidays.
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Given the current cost of living crisis, many parents have hit out at the school's new footwear policy as it means they now have to buy more shoes for their children, others were upset the teenagers had been given 'unauthorised absences' as a result of not being allowed to attend class.
A mum named Anna Eaves, whose son was sent home for wearing a pair of black Nike Air Force 1 shoes, admitted she was 'reluctant' to buy new shoes and found the situation 'bad' and 'frustrating' but didn't want her child to miss out on school.
Another parent, Lucinda May, told the publication it was a "complete disregard for parents in regards to the cost of living situation". She added that she'd had to ask her parents for help to buy the 'right' pair of shoes for her child, which cost £64.99.
The school's policy has also come under fire on social media, with one Twitter user urging them to "get a grip".
They wrote: "Get a grip of yourself Taverham High, it's far more important for learners to be comfortable and bring their authentic selves to school. Maybe focus on something important."
A second branded the whole thing "petty", saying: "I'm actually ok with school uniform, but this is just petty b******s."
"This is their last year of school. They should be allowed to wear the shoes they had. As long as not silly-fashioned heels etc. Parents have enough struggles with raised costs of everything," someone else posted on Facebook.
Dr Harris, who has been the headteacher at Taverham High School since January this year, told the publication that the school offered financial support and he felt that enough notice had been given to parents to purchase the correct shoes.
He added: "Changing uniform makes a change in outcomes and behaviour. It stems from us wanting to become one of the best schools in Norfolk."
He also confirmed that pupils who had travelled to school by bus and could not get home were not turned away at the gates.
The Mirror has contacted Dr Harris and Taverham High School for further comment.
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