Parents launch Facebook protest group after school crackdown on uniforms

DOZENS OF children have been placed in isolation classrooms at a Yorkshire school after breaching strict uniform policy guidelines.

Some parents took their children out of Leeds West Academy yesterday after teachers said pupils were wearing the wrong trousers or shoes.

Parent Julie Staniland launched Facebook group ‘Parents Against LWA’s Uniform Rules’ on Monday night and it had already gained more than 400 followers by yesterday.

She took her 14-year-old daughter out of school yesterday after the youngster was put in isolation.

Mrs Staniland said there were at least 80 children in isolation at the school yesterday, adding: “I think it is disgusting.

“They put her in isolation because her shoes are suede not leather.

“She is a grade-A student, is in Year 11 and will be doing her GCSEs this year.

“I just think it’s scandalous. How is wearing suede shoes over leather affecting their education? It’s not.”

The principal of Leeds West Academy, Christian Wilcocks, defended the policy, saying: “Our uniform policy has not changed this academic year; however, we are providing more clarity and support terms of how students should present themselves and wear our uniform.

“Our support includes detailed examples of shoes/trousers and where these can be purchased, in addition to a routine inspection which has identified some students who were not following the guidance provided in the summer holidays.

“The uniform policy exists to ensure our whole school community presents itself with pride, promoting unity, equality and the values we uphold as an academy.”