GUARDIAN readers have shared their reaction to news a Northwich high school pulled dozens of students from classes over breaches to its new uniform policy.

Parents at Hartford CofE High School were informed of changes to uniform rules in April, including the banning of trainers and a provision girls must wear tights.

But yesterday, on the first day of term, more than 100 pupils were segregated into a sports hall for wearing the incorrect uniform.

Following the incident on Tuesday, many parents expressed their anger at the uniform policy changes and how the school handled the situation.

Northwich & Winsford Guardian readers also shared their thoughts on what happened.

Posting to our Facebook page, Matthew Dodd said: "I don't agree how it was dealt with, however I do agree with the uniform rules.

"We had to adhere to them in the 90s, didn't do any of us any harm. If they say wear leather shoes, you wear leather shoes."

David Hough added: "Disgusting! To affect a child's education for sake of some footwear is a joke.

"They may have rules about shoes but to do this is the completely wrong way to go about it, head teacher and staff should be embarrassed."

Rebecca Ashbrook posted: "Feel like this is a massively outdated approach.

"The majority of employers nowadays promote employees to dress smart but comfortable and allow flexibility in uniform options to promote wellbeing.

"This is doing nothing but putting more financial pressure and stress on children and families."

Sarah Robinson added: "My son has worn this style of trainers for four years and it has never been a problem, very much a case of a new sheriff in town.

"Mrs Pickerill, if this constitutes any sort of 'values' you have lost sight of the world around you.

"Your values should be about supporting our children in their education, equipping them for their future and putting the public purse to good spend.

"I completely agree with uniform policy but this dogmatic approach does not align to any of the values that I recognise the school to hold."

One commenter, on the online article, said: "School is provided to prepare a pupil for adult and hopefully a working life.

"Whether you are employed or work for yourself you have rules to follow. The sooner these pupils learn this the better."

Another said: "Well done to the head teacher for trying to bring some discipline and adherence to rules. 

"The only issue is imposing a change in a relatively short timeframe where clothes, shoes etc. have been bought that still fit and replacing such would be an expense some parents may not afford.

"Perhaps parents could have been given the opportunity to seek a reasonable extension.

"Bottom line, well done and if you don’t like the rules and school take your kids elsewhere."

Following the incidents on the first day of term, head teacher Rachel Pickerill said: 

Head teacher, Mrs Pickerill, said: "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.

"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."