Girls were NOT turned away for wearing the wrong skirt, says Winsford Academy principal

One mum claims her daughter was not allowed into school this morning and missed a mock exam because she was wearing a black pencil skirt.

The angry mum said: "Students were not allowed into school because they weren't wearing a pleated skirt.

"I think it's disgusting to leave them outside the building. I am angry that she couldn't sit her exam."

Principal Gary Evans said the allegations were totally false.

Mr Evans said: "No students were sent home or turned away from mock exams. Every student got into the building by 9am.

"What happened this morning is that we were taking the names of girls who were not wearing the uniform correctly. This is our standard procedure and we then get in touch with parents afterwards.

"The notion that any child was turned away at the door is completely and utterly wrong."

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Pleated black skirts, he said, have been part of the uniform for many years, and must be worn just above the knee.

The only change that has been introduced as a trial is giving girls the option to wear ankle or knee socks instead of tights during the hot weather.

"I had a meeting with three year 10 girls on the student council," said Mr Evans. "They explained to me the the issues created by having to wear tights in very hot weather. I understand how uncomfortable this can be. I have a 17-year-old daughter.

"Until the end of term, girls can can choose to wear either tights or black or white socks. They must be ankle or knee length socks that should finish below the kneecap."

Details of this temporary alteration to the school uniform were sent to all parents in a newsletter on Friday.

Families were reminded that skirts should be black, pleated and knee length.

Mr Evans added "I am pleased that a lot of parents continue to support our drive to enforce a uniform standard and support us by making sure children wear the correct uniform to school."