Hartford High School: Petition launched against new head teacher

It comes after Rachel Pickerill, who was appointed at Hartford High School earlier this year, introduced a new uniform policy.

It is understood that dozens of pupils have already been given detentions and suspensions this week due to the changes, which parents were first warned about five months ago.

Rach Dykes, who has two daughters at the school, launched a vote of no confidence petition on Change.org which has been signed more than 250 times.

She said: “I start this petition quite emotionally and deflated after multiple attempts to talk with the new head teacher about her uniform policy changes.

“I and many other parents are disappointed to learn she is still very un-willing to sit down and take our considerations onboard.

“Everything has been tried to discuss our concerns with the new head but her ‘my school, my rules’ attitude makes it very hard going.

“The shambles of how this was handled was traumatic for many children and frustrating for many parents.

“Segregation over shoes and tights is never acceptable.

“I think the number of signatures and parents expressing their views on social media speak for themselves and most definitely show it isn't a small minority.”

READ MORE: Parents' fury as pupils pulled from class after 'military-style' uniform inspections

Dozens of pupils were held in the school hall on the first day of term (Image: Supplied)

On the first day of term (September 5) around 100 pupils were held in the school hall for incorrect uniform.

The changes to the uniform policy included a ban on trainers and a rule stating girls must wear tights instead of socks.

A letter about these new rules was sent out back in April, with several reminders sent out over the following months warning that they would come into force in the new school year.

Speaking on Tuesday, 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.

"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.”

ALSO READ: Police called to high school after uniform policy changes row boils over

Hartford High School has been approached for a response to the petition and an update on the situation.