A student has been forced to stay off school and told to not return until she wears proper shoes instead of canvas lace ups after Thomas Clarkson Academy at Wisbech clamped down on uniform.
Other girls were told their fabric ballet pump shoes were not good enough and were among 50 students sent into isolation for breaking the uniform rules for things like branded shoes or socks with small logos on.
Teachers say they warned students at the end of summer and at the beginning of the new school year that there was to be no bending of rules.
Tia’s mum Tracey, of Wisbech St Mary, who is disabled, said: “Tia wore canvas shoes all last year and was never told they were a problem.
“The uniform listed says black, flat-heeled and formal with no brands like Vans or Converse. I thought the black canvas lace up pumps fitted that. They are not branded. I cannot afford a new pair until my allowance comes through.”
But Principal Clare Claxton said: “If you let black canvas pumps creep in then other stuff creeps in and the end of the day it’s about learning and keeping standards up not having to constantly check on uniform.”
Year 10 student Tia Mason, 14, was among pupils pulled to one side on uniform amnesty day on September 29 and ordered to stay in isolation until wearing the correct uniform.
Tia is one of triplets whose sisters go to different schools - her sister Poppy, 14, goes to Neale Wade in March and Jasmine, 14, goes to Marshland High.
They have the same footwear but theirs have not been black listed.
She said: “If I go in wearing the pumps I will have to go to detention after school so I’m having to stay off. This is an important year as we’re starting exam work.
“I’m missing so much important work, it’s ridiculous.”
Principal Mrs Claxton said the school aimed to introduce a business-like atmosphere and attitude to everything they do.
“A professional approach will help everyone to focus on the job in hand which is learning and teaching,” she said.
“We made it crystal clear that the uniform must be adhered to. We don’t want trendy brands or logos - if we allow the smallest thing to get through then it is just the start of standards spiralling.”
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