ANGRY parents are defying a school’s new uniform rules in a protest over inflated prices, lack of choice, and poor quality garments – despite threats from teachers to put students in isolation if they do not comply.

Richmond School and Sixth Form College, in North Yorkshire, has introduced compulsory skirts and trousers with the school logo printed on the seam, which can only be purchased from one provider.

But parents said the items cost twice the amount of supermarket alternatives, and many have refused to buy them – despite their children being told they would be put into isolation if there wear incorrect uniform.

Parent Paula Thwaite last said she sent her two sons to school without the standardised trousers.

She said: “Parents are now getting angry because their children are threatened with punishment for our decisions.

“The parents I have spoken too have said that the trousers are terrible, they are certainly not the high quality material they claimed it was. Many have had to get them altered and many are still waiting because the supplier can’t cope with the demand.”

The school informed parents before the summer holidays of changes to the uniform which would include trousers and skirts with the school logo emblazoned on them.

The items, including existing jumpers, ties and PE kits, must all be purchased from a single supplier, York-based company NextGen Clothing Ltd.

The trousers cost between £15 and £18.50 and the skirts cost £12.50 to £17, and there is a delivery charge of £3.95 on all orders under £47.

However, some parents have refused and sent children to school in uniform without the logos on, which can be bought for less than half the price at some supermarkets.

One woman, who did not wish to be named, has generated the support of more than 60 parents to sign a letter rejecting the changes to the uniform, and now several are working together to create an online petition.

The main factors include inflated cost; lack of parental choice; inadequate and poor quality trousers; and consequences to children.

The woman, who has two sons at the school, said she had refused to buy the trousers because she felt the cost was too high – but was also baffled by the school's justification for the change.

She said: “The school said they were making the changes because teachers had constantly been chasing students in the wrong uniform, but surely now that will be even worse.

“What annoys me is the lack of choice. We have been told what to do and when to do it.

“I sent both my sons to school with their normal trousers on – one was told he would be put in isolation if he didn’t get the correct trousers by next week, but the other was told not to worry.

“I just want the school to acknowledge that parents are dissatisfied and reconsider the policy. Parents don’t want to feel they are being ripped off.”

Richmond School headteacher Jenna Potter said: “Richmond School has made a slight amendment to its uniform policy following careful consideration, discussion and planning last academic year.

“We continue to support families’ needs regarding uniform, including offering financial support where needed. The vast majority of students have returned in the new uniform and look exceptionally smart.”

  • NextGen Clothing Ltd did not respond to a request for comment.