Dozens of British students arriving for their first day of school on Tuesday were sent home over their shoes. About 30 students were turned away from Taverham High School in Norfolk, England. Headteacher, Dr Roger Harris, confirmed that this was due to a change in the school's uniform policy. Harris, who became headteacher this year, said he notified parents of the updated rules in an email in June.
The price of school uniforms can spark panic among families struggling with the high cost of living. Nearly all British schools have uniforms. They cost parents an average of £337 per year for each secondary school child.
According to the new rules, students of Taverham are required to wear smart black shoes appropriate for the workplace, Harris held that strengthened rules around school uniforms improved student outcomes and behavior. But for some parents, the school's restrictions are an unnecessary burden.
As annual inflation climbs over 10%, many households are on tight budgets. Private rental prices in Britain rose 3.2% over the 12 months to July 2022, the largest jump since 2016. Soaring energy bills have made things worse.
Lucinda May, mum of a Taverham student, said that she had to ask her parents for £65 to buy her child the correct pair of shoes. May said that the school's uniform policy showed the lack of regard for parents dealing with the high cost of living.