Headteacher defends uniform policy after pupils put in isolation for wearing wrong shoes
A Black Country headteacher has defended his schools' uniform policy after a number of pupils were put in isolation on the first day.
Mike Smith from Phoenix Collegiate School, West Bromwich spoke out after the school was criticised by a number of parents whose children were put in isolation on the first day of term for wearing shoes that didn't match the requirements.
He also stressed staff were doing "all they can" to help parents with the cost-of-living.
He said: "There are normally a few issues on the first day of term with pupils whose parents have misinterpreted the school uniform policy or have sent the children to school with shoes which may look like training shoes or with white flashes or motifs.
"People often ask me why we have such a strong uniform policy at Phoenix and I always tell them about the importance of a good first impression in school but also how this extends into the wider world of work which is why I will never change this strong stance."
Mr Smith, who has been headmaster of the Clarkes Lane based school since 2018 said standards had dropped slightly last term and updates and two letters had been clearly posted on their website.
He also said new year seven families had been supported this academic year and would be for the next two with the provision of a uniform so everybody can arrive looking the same.
Mr Smith added: "If any family is struggling with the cost there is provision in the budget to help, the same way we have put the money in for free uniform for new pupils which is ring fenced until 2025."
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