ALMOST 500 Aberystwyth secondary school pupils were reportedly put in detention on the first day of term after falling foul of a strict new uniform policy.

And parents of pupils at Penglais School are up in arms, claiming communication from the school leadership on what uniform was expected has been “a joke”.

The change of uniform was announced earlier this year after the news that Mair Hughes was to take over as headteacher.

But it appears many parents do not think the new policy was communicated clearly enough, with an online petition calling on the school to “stop children being punished for incorrect school uniform” gaining 250 signatures at the time of writing.

The school website said the new uniform policy only applied to Years 7 and 12 for this academic year, with all other years required to wear it from September 2018.

The new uniform requirements posted online before the start of term were for pupils to wear a “bespoke Rowlinson ‘Performa 50’ jumper”; a white shirt or blouse; a school clip-on tie; “traditional, tailored, full length” trousers, or tailored black knee-length shorts for boys and a formal knee-length skirt for girls in the summer.

The statement added: “Footwear must be suitable for school — flat and plain black with no other colour. Trainers, heeled shoes and boots are not allowed.”

A letter from assistant headteacher, Andrew Barlow, sent to parents last Tuesday, read: “Footwear for school must be formal and not include canvas shoes, Vans, pumps, trainers or any leisure shoes.”

Kelly Hughes, whose daughter Mia was put in detention for wearing the incorrect shoes, claimed the school had contradicted itself.

Mrs Hughes, who called on the school to acknowledge its poor handling of the situation and apologise, said: “I’m so angry, Mia has been told that she will have one hour and 20 minutes of detention today and after school tomorrow if she doesn’t get another pair of shoes.

“They cost £30, but I know that a lot of other parents have spent around £50. It’s shocking.

“And to send an email last night contradicting their letter from July is a joke.”

Headteacher Mair Hughes said: “Ysgol Penglais school has brought in a new school uniform policy this year.

"We are pleased that most students and parents have responded positively to the new uniform and our students are looking very smart at the start of the new year.

"We are continuing to work with some parents and students to clarify some elements of the new policy, particularly regarding footwear.

"We would like to thank parents and students for working with the school to ensure that the new policy is applied consistently across the school.”