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 Ysgol 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.

Annette Wester, a parent who started the petition, said: “The children of Penglais were all very excited about starting and returning to school this September, but it has turned into a shambles.

“Parents have spent lots of money on the new uniform, only to be told it is not to their specification.

“We have noticed the goal posts are changing in what is allowed and not allowed."

Kim Moseley, whose daughter Morgan is a Year 11 pupil, told the Cambrian News: “Morgan went into school assembly today which was taken by the new headmistress.

“As they were leaving, they were told to walk out in single file. Teachers were stood by the doors picking kids out, saying ‘you to one side, you to one side’.

“Morgan told them she had the full uniform but didn’t have her jumper.

“Not at one point did the policy say you can’t wear your old jumper.”

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