MORE than 1,300 pupils told to wear a new uniform as part of their school’s change to academy status have been presented with a 1 minute 15 second video on how to tie a tie.

“We aim to introduce a business-like atmosphere and attitude to everything we do,” says Claire Claxton, the newly installed principal of the Thomas Clarkson Academy at Wisbech.

“In any business there are rules which need to be maintained, this is simply being professional. We expect everyone to therefore always meet the guidelines.”

The ‘guidelines’ about the wearing of a tie – and particularly on how to put it on properly- are in a voice over accompanying the video which has been posted to the school’s website.

“Correctly wearing your tie can be a difficult task but don’t worry this video will show all you need to know,” says the voice over.

What follows is a step by step guide on how to correctly complete the task beginning with the instruction to “turn up your collar, place tie around neck, cross wide end over narrow end then take wide end and wrap it around the back.

“Then wrap it round once more , this time push end of tie this time through end of gap between tie and gap, then take wide end and push through loop you have just created

“Grip knot at bottom while holding narrow end with other hand, push knot up to your top button, straighten up your tie, put your collar back down and your tie is in place.”

The commentary urges students to practice with their �3.50 ties – colours determined by their community group in school- until “your tie is neither too short nor too long

“Remember don’t leave it too loose because you’ll look scruffy, nor too tight because you need oxygen to live.”

The video ends with the encouraging words that “now you know how to wear your tie, make sure you keep it neat and tidy at all times.”

On their website the school – now part of the Northamptonshire Brooke Weston group – says the “way in which we all present ourselves is an important part of setting

standards and achieving challenging goals.”

The tie, which forms part of a new uniform which was agreed after talks with the school council, staff and what Brooke Weston describe as “uniform professionals”.