A NEW chapter for a Darlington primary school has been marked with an overhaul of its uniform, with pupils voting for their favourite designs.

Skerne Park Primary School headteacher Kate Chisholm and pupil Alice Edkins, 11, symbolically started production of the new uniforms after Alice’s frog logo was voted to feature on the clothes.

The new uniforms are just one of many changes expected at Skerne Park as it becomes an Academy under the sponsorship of the Hummersknott Academy Trust.

As part of its sponsorship, which formally starts in February 2013, the Hummersknott Academy Trust pledged to pay for the 367 new uniforms.

Ms Chisholm said: “I’m really proud that we’ve made this symbolic move forward.

“The pupils were actively involved in the design of the uniforms – they not only designed the logo but they also chose the colour.

“Over 80 per cent chose red as their favourite colour, and I think this represents our bright new future.”

Pat Howarth, principal of Hummersknott Academy, said: “We’re very pleased to be instrumental in helping to forge a new future for the school.

“The new uniforms represent a new start for the school and we’re sure that under the headship of Kate Chisholm, the future of Skerne Park Academy is very bright indeed.

“This is a very exciting time for them as a new Academy and for us as a sponsor Academy.”

Hummersknott entered into a formal agreement in October to provide support to raise standards at Skerne Park Primary.

The school’s Trust also helped select new headteacher Kate Chisholm, who took over the reins in July.

Ms Chisholm has already implemented a series of changes, including ‘back to basics’ teaching and smaller class sizes.