Harris Academy Orpington accused of being too strict on coats

Harris Academy Orpington, formerly The Priory School in Tintagel Road, is under fire for what parents claim is a harsh new policy brought in at the start of term this month which demands children wear only black coats.

The school's website says: "Students should have an appropriate and sensible black outdoor coat. Hoodies are NOT allowed under any circumstances and will be confiscated.

"No sleeveless jackets or leather jackets. Coats must be removed before entering a classroom so that students are ready to learn."

News Shopper has heard from a number of parents who say the school is putting their children’s education at risk because of this strict new policy.

They claim these rules have only been enforced this term, their children had been wearing different coloured coats last year and they had not been informed of any changes.

Parent Shaun Pender said his daughter was put in isolation for wearing a dark grey coat inside the school.

He said it had been arranged his daughter would be allowed to wear the offending coat until payday when he could buy a black coat but then on January 22 the coat was confiscated from her at the school gate.

Bradley Petken said: "I met with the headteacher who said the children can wear whatever coat to and from school but the minute they come into the school gates if it is not black they take the coat away until the end of the day.

"And my son's coat is dark navy blue and plain Nike, nothing else, but still not allowed."

Another parent said her son was "coughing and chesty" after having his khaki coat taken away at the school gate.

Pupils have also been falling foul of the rules on what shoes they can wear.

Toni Griffiths told News Shopper her daughter had been warned her shoes were not up to standard.

She said: "I understand schools have rules and I always back them but on this occasion to send my daughter home for wearing black trainers that are discreet and having a note from me and a visible open wound on her heal is not reason to send her home.”

A spokeswoman from Harris Academy said: “Our academy replaced The Priory School in 2016 after it was judged inadequate by Ofsted. At the time, and as part of our wider efforts to ensure better standards for pupils, we implemented a clear set of rules on uniform.

“Many schools stipulate a colour of coat for pupils to wear and we chose black as this is the easiest option for parents to find and buy.

"Many families welcome the rule as it removes the pressure to buy their children expensive items of clothing. Where families have needed financial assistance to buy a coat, we have always provided this.

“The only way to be fair to the many parents and pupils who follow the rules is to be consistent. School policy would not be to exclude a pupil for breaching our uniform policy; however, if a pupil either refuses to cooperate or is abusive when they are reminded of our rules, then they would need to be appropriately sanctioned.

“Any parents who are unhappy with the uniform policy are encouraged to speak to the executive principal of the academy about their concerns.”