Sir – It has been decided that Cheney School will introduce a compulsory blazer as part of its uniform from September. The rationale for this is that wearing a blazer will raise student aspirations.

In reaching this decision, the DfES guidance on school uniform and related policies has been ignored. The guidance states that ‘a governing body should consult widely with current and future parents, as well as pupils, on changes to an established uniform policy. New uniform should be phased in, to avoid waste and unnecessary expense to parents. Schools should not introduce a uniform which is a lot more expensive than those in other local schools. The consultation process should be documented.’ There has been no wide consultation of parents/carers, who will have to pay for the uniform, or of the staff, who will have to enforce the new policy. The new uniform is not being phased in, thereby ensuring the highest possible level of waste.

It will cost four times that of the current uniform and be significantly more expensive than other local schools’ uniforms. With no circulated documentation no one can gauge why and how this policy change was made, other than that it was ‘student choice’. There is evidence that dissent from students was ignored. Parents’ views have not been sought. Parents who have bought the existing uniform expected it to last for some years and should not have to buy a second uniform. The headteacher has been asked to at least consider phasing in the new uniform. Each new intake could adopt it in year 7, when parents expect to pay for new school clothing.

In response, the headteacher has stated that students in year 7 to 10, who have not purchased a new uniform, will not be allowed into school in September. Several parents believe this to be unfair.

If you believe that it would be reasonable to phase in the uniform, or if you have doubts about the introduction of a blazer as the compulsory item, I would ask you to contact the headteacher at Cheney School.

Andrew Perkins, Headington