A HEADTEACHER has defended his decision to send home pupils for breaching uniform rules.

Mark Schofield, headteacher of Shoeburyness High School, took the decision to send home several pupils for failing to abide by uniform rules.

The school sent out letters in August warning parents and pupils that the uniform policy would be strictly enforced.

His decision meant a number of children had to go to the nearby Asda on their first day to ensure they had the appropriate school wear.

Mr Schofield said: “Parents were written to in the summer reminding them of our uniform requirements which haven’t changed for ten years.

“The letters said if they couldn’t be in school uniform to send them in with a note giving the reasons and it explained the consequences if that didn’t happen.

“Most of the students pulled up were able to make adjustments, like removing earrings, but a small number – I’m not sure how many – were sent home.”

Roger Hadley, a Conservative councillor in Shoebury, backed the school’s stance.

He said: “I did hear quite a few pupils had to go to Asda to get alternatives. They were also trying to stretch trousers that were deemed too tight.

“Parents were made aware of the rules and they should follow them.”

However, John Jarrett, from Rosewood Lane, Shoebury, was angry his 14-year-old daughter Rosalyn Jarrett was sent home.

She was unable to get in though as she didn’t have a key.

Mr Jarrett said: “They said Rosalyn’s skirt was too short, but it was the same one she had last term and it’s still the same length on her. She was told of last year for wearing trousers that were too skinny, but we got them from their approved shop.

Now we’ve had to buy more trousers.

“I have had an apology from the school, but the way it was dealt with wrong. Parents should have been told their children were being sent home. I’ve had no text or anything. Rosalyn didn’t have a phone on her because they don’t allow it and she didn’t have a key. She had to go to friends to call me and I had to come home from work. I think it could have been handled better by staff.”