PARENTS have hit out at “arrogant” uniform changes that are set to be introduced by a Whitefield high school.

The parents have called into question the proposed changes at Philips High School, citing the financial implications, the impact they may have on pupils and lack of consultation.

The new uniforms are set to become compulsory from 2019, with parents and pupils able to opt-in from this September.

They will primarily affect girls, who will have to wear plain black ‘suit-style’ trousers, instead of skirts, and blue open-necked shirts, rather than plain blue shirts.

While boys will have to wear black rather than grey trousers.

Parents and pupils will have a one year grace period, but they will have to buy the full uniform if they need to replace any articles, as mixing and matching items will not be allowed by the school.

Anita Davies, from Radcliffe, whose daughters, Lily-Ellen, aged 14, and Holly, aged 13, are currently in Years 9 and 8 at the school, has slammed the changes, estimating that a two new full school uniforms would cost her between £130 and £180.

She has also criticised the school’s decision for taking away choice from pupils, and said that the new uniforms may not be suitable for girls with fuller figures or who use certain types of sanitary products.

Mrs Davies also believes the changes could lead to peer pressure or bullying if pupils don’t change over straight away or if the uniforms are ill fitting.

Mrs Davies said: “The changes I find are quite bizarre and I really do not understand the reasoning behind the change.

“I don’t think the school has looked at the cost issues, peer pressure and girls not wanting to wear trousers.”

Mrs Davies says that this cost will be further compounded by the introduction of a new PE kit, and because the school has a different uniform for those in Year 11.

The kit will not be compulsory, but similarly the whole kit will have to be substituted if articles are outgrown or need replacing as mixing and matching is not permitted.

Another parent, Nicola Rigby, has also raised concerns about the impacts uniform changes could have on pupils

She said: “These girls already feel uncomfortable mainly due to media and peer pressure about their appearance, so forcing them to wear articles of clothing that emphasise their larger frames will undoubtedly cause anxiety and stress.”

Ms Rigby has also urged the school to adopt a “gender neutral” uniform promoting “freedom of choice”.

She added: “It is very important in this day and age that equality is promoted for all pupils and that no one is subjected to bullying or inappropriate comments from either sex because of what they are being forced to wear.”

Responding to Ms Rigby’s concerns, an email from Philips High School headteacher, Tina Owen, said: “I am sorry you feel this way about our changes to the school uniform as we have had many positive responses.

“Skirts have been replaced by trousers for all as they present a more professional smart appearance and are more practical for school use and activities.

“Regarding the blouses there are many different versions available throughout a variety of stores to suit all shapes and sizes.”

However, both mothers were angry that parents had not been consulted on the changes with Mrs Davies labelling the decision as “arrogant”.

Philips High School say that they have been in contact with Mrs Davies, but assert that her allegations are factually incorrect.

Headteacher, Tina Owen, said: “Full details of our new school uniform for the Year 7 pupils arriving in September are on the school website.

“I would also add that we have had many positive comments from parents old and new regarding the changes to the uniform.”