DOZENS of students at a Northwich high school were pulled from classes on the first day of term over new uniform rules.

Parents of children at Hartford High School are up in arms after hearing around 100 pupils were taken to the sports hall for not wearing the correct uniform.

The changes to the uniform policy were introduced by the school’s new head teacher, Rachel Pickerill, and include a ban on trainers and a rule stating girls must wear tights instead of socks.

Kerry Valentine, a parent of a year nine pupil, said: “Our children have missed out on so much schooling over the years.

"Our children have arrived at school on time today with a willingness to learn and ready to begin their year ahead.

"The children and their wellbeing should be a priority - not that they are wearing socks instead of tights during an Indian summer or that their shoes are black trainer shoes with minimal logo detail on."

Another parent, Rach Dykes, had to collect her youngest daughter who was suspended for the day after refusing to put on tights.

There was a 'military-style uniform inspection' when pupils arrived, she claimed.

"My other daughter was being held in the boiling hot gym hall along with hundreds of other students,” she added.

"Many parents were there collecting kids and complaining about these ridiculous new changes that do not affect a child's ability to learn.

"I and many other parents are disgusted at this new head's attitude ‘my school, my rules’.”

Richard Haspell, who has a son in year eight, added: "I went to collect my son due to the ridiculous draconian methods the head teacher has implemented.

"There is a huge number of disgruntled parents."

Parent Tina O'Neil, who has written to the chairman of governors at the school, added: "The treatment of our children is disgraceful and we will not rest until something is done about the shoe policy.

"Our children have worn this plain black leather Nike trainers for years with no affect on their education and they will continue to wear them. Ridiculous policies like this need to be challenged."

The changes to the uniform policy were announced back in April, with parents warned they would be enforced in the new school year.

Parents were sent reminders along with further details of the policy.

Head teacher, Mrs Pickerill, said: "Today, we are very proud to say that the vast majority of students attended school in full school uniform and have had a brilliant first day of term.

"A small minority of students arrived at school in trainers. Following assemblies for each year group, those with inappropriate footwear were asked to meet with pastoral staff to try to resolve the situation, some of which we were able to do. 

"However, sadly, not all of our parents have supported the uniform policy and some children have refused to comply.

"Children were provided with refreshments and attended lessons and lunchtime from lesson four onwards, having spent time with staff in our sports hall during lesson three."

A petition against the uniform policy was set up in May and has so far been signed more than 220 times.

Many parents say their children have been told they will be suspended if they go to school on Wednesday (September 6) in the incorrect uniform.

Mrs Pickerill added: "Tomorrow, all children are expected to attend school as normal, however those who fail to comply with the values and expectations of the school will be dealt with in accordance with our policies. 

"The standards at Hartford Church of England High School are extremely high for a reason. We expect the best both of, and for, our students.  

"We look forward to welcoming our students to school tomorrow and having a really successful second day of the school year."