CONTROVERSIAL new school uniforms are to be phased in at a top Warrington school over the next three years.
Despite threats by some pupils and parents to boycott new uniforms at Lymm High School, head teacher Angela Walsh (pictured right) and the school governors are pressing ahead with the proposals, starting with new year 7’s this September.
Following a poll of the 2,000 pupils at the school, of which 1,151 voted, the vast majority (911) voted in favour of a black blazer and tartan skirt.
The decision to introduce the new uniforms sparked much debate in the village, with many parents and pupils opposed to any changes – claiming lack of consultation and poor timing in the middle of a recession.
But in a joint statement,chairman of governors David Jones and Miss Walsh they said the topic of school uniform had been discussed for several years.
On taking up her post as head teacher last September, Miss Walsh was asked to review uniform as one of the concerns that governors felt needed action. A questionnaire was sent out to all parents and carers asking them what areas of the school they felt were of concern; the vast majority mentioned uniform as an area that needed reviewing as a matter of priority. 
The five Heads of Hall who have been responsible for the implementation of school uniform policy were united in their views that there was too much choice allowed to pupils and consequently, the maintenance of acceptable standards was increasingly difficult. The variety of colours and styles of uniform was identified as a key issue.
Consultation regarding uniform had been ongoing in various forms for at least seven years. School Council and Student Voice had been discussing the issues and teachers had become increasingly concerned about a lack of improvement. On starting a full review last September a variety of solutions were sought and research was carried out into sourcing a bespoke skirt to go with the current blazer. Visits were carried out to many uniform suppliers to learn about options available and samples of both material and styles were studied, plus cost implications. From this research it became clear that an ideal solution would need to be designed from scratch.
Once a detailed proposal had been identified the full process of consultation began with opinions being sought via letter, a meeting for parents and a blog site set up for comments. Many of the comments received had been very useful and had helped to shape the plans that have now been agreed by the governors.
The new school uniform will be phased in over three years. The new Year 7s will be the first to wear the uniform this September, with all other pupils retaining the current one. During the next academic year, Year 11 will be involved in designing a Sixth Form uniform to be brought in for Year 12 in September 2010. In September 2010 Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 will all wear the new uniform and in September 2011 all students will be wearing the same. 
This phasing process will ensure that replacement costs are kept as low as possible and allow current students to get a reasonable amount of wear from their uniforms.
The new uniform will be a black and red blazer with black and white skirt. Designs are being worked on for the Hall ties and the re-introduction of the school crest as the badge.
Alongside this change the school is also reviewing its whole uniform policy, including on the request of parents to review school policy on jewellery, make up and shoes.
Rachel Frith, (pictured right) one of the pupils who helped organise a proest petition regarding the proposed changes said: “I’m pleased to hear about the transition period.
“It’s a shame it has taken so long for our views to have been taken into consideration. Perhaps now we can focus on the more positive aspects of the change and how it is going to help improve the school. I’m glad that Lymm High School has lived up to its old motto of “working together to achieve success.”
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41 Comments
Nothing explains how the school is to enforce this new uniform and why this will be any different to now. Consultation was nothing but a joke
Hardly a fair vote. Put three ugly uniforms on display and we have to vote for the best of the worse. Must of us picked the red one, the other two were even worse. Why could we not vote on keeping an improved existing uniform ? Think Miss Walsh and the governors have turned the uniform into a circus, designed by someone with no taste. What happened to the “working together” The blog was edited and fixed. Shame on this school. Little wonder some of us kids are looking at moving schools. She is to change our hours next so no dinner time clubs across all years, change the badge, change the hall system – what next.
I was told I HAD to vote and was threatened with detention if I didn’t. Not fair. voted for the red one as that’s what she was going to implement anyway regardless of what we wanted.
She told us this in an assembly. “I will have this uniform in September” So much for consultation. The school council were never involved in the discussions at all or what options
would be good or even what we could do to improve the current uniform. So where did the bespoke uniform come from ? What is wrong with a simple black blazer why does it have to be edged in red. My mum will be forced to buy this
from the school shop and not M&S as my current one. I think is just a money making exercise for the shool shop. 50% markup equals a lot of money.
Can’t see what all the fuss is about. School takes seven years to decide to have a new uniform. New uniform to be phased in over three years. Pupils will have distinctive uniform which will show they come from one of the best schools in the area, which they should be proud of. Simply don’t believe pupils were threatened with detention if they didn’t vote, but if they were it would appear there will be a lot detention in the near future! Can’t believe any head would say in assembly what is being attributed to her. The only concern, if it is true, is that new uniform would only be available from the school, which appears to breach competition rules. Can’t believe governors would slip up over this!
School neighbour – Better believe it because it is true.
They already have a distinctive uniform.
Excellent !!!! The school needs this and a bunch of rebellious parents sgohld not be allowed to dictate to a highly qualified and respected head and a board of governers what to do. Every prospective head would have changed the uniform. This personal vendetta has to stop now, I am sick of my children being damaged by the actions of some parents.
lymm High School action group set up by the parents are holding a meeting at the Little Manor, Thelwall at 7:45 on Monday 29th June. Lets stop this woman before she destroys our school.
I have observed this whole debacle with utter disbelief. Lymm High School is renowned to be one of the best schools in the North West . For the past seven years, it has been widely agreed by staff, governors and parents alike (undoubtedly by many of those who are now objecting ferociously) that the current uniform leaves a lot to be desired and needed updating in order for the superior image of the school to be maintained. This has been done. It may not be to everyone’s taste – but show me a uniform in any school that everyone likes?? Or any decision that everyone affected agrees with? This is why we have people in authority to hear the views, listen to the issues, then take the decision.
As a parent, a child’s education is one of the most important things in the world. Why on earth would any parent want to divert so much attention away from this by creating such a spectacle over something which has been in the planning for such a long time – with parent’s input. While I am all for the freedom of opinion and calm and intelligent debate, I think the way that this has been handled by objecting parents is disgraceful.
I personally support the introduction of the uniform – it is being phased in to make this as easy a transition as possible for all concerned. I am sure the students will look very smart and will be able to concentrate on getting an education rather than focus on this excuse to avoid learning. The sad thing is – the militant actions of these pupils are being fired by those very adults who are supposed to be setting the example.
Let’s stop all this nonsense now and let the school get on with providing an education and look forward to the improvements that will accompany the smarter look. Best of luck to the new head in taking Lymm High School and it’s pupils forward to achieve great success.
Please can this perfectly reasonable plan be the end of all the horrible things that have been said and done? If the LHS Governors are guilty of poor communication and haste, then the objectors are equally guilty of scandal-mongering and threats, so let’s just call it all quits and get back to educating children.
Lets draw a line under this and move on. The decision has been made, many parents were frustrated by the statement of introducing the uniform across the whole school in time of recession and at such short notice. This has been partially addressed now by phasing it in. Now we should focus on the education of the children.
the voting was a farce. we were told we had to vote, and no option to keep the existing one was given. stop the woman before she destroys the school and all that is good about it.
I can’t see what difference there is between this uniform change and the one the school had when it was created from Lymm Oughtrington and Lymm County High. We had our green blazers replaced with blue ones but were given a couple of years grace to out grow our current clothes. When we needed a bigger size, we got the new uniform. Simple.
I agree with Mark. Those hostile parents should pause to consider what is in the best interest of the school before they consider any further action. If they are not happy perhaps they should vote with their feet and leave a good school for those that appreciate it.
Those that question why the current uniform was not an option had their chance to wear it properly but showed complete disregard for it over many years. Why the attachment to it now?
I think people have to realise the backlash shows a bigger underlying problem. LHS was/is an excellent school, I am not so sure now.
The head is universally disliked by staff and pupils alike who appear to have no respect for her. Her dictatorial attitude has won no favours.
Always found myself that consultation works best when it is a two way partnership.
Not against the uniform, just they way she has steamrolled it in. Pity all those new year 7 parents who have brought the old one. I assume the shop will give refunds.
I also assume the school will not have a monopoly on the uniform, that in line with DCSF guidelines it will be available at a number of outlets, but can not quite see
how this possible for a bespoke uniform – Can’t exactly buy it in M&S or elsewhere.
A severe case of rose tinted specs from Dave. To imply all staff liked the previous head and thought all his actions were wonderful is hardly credible. The old head made it clear there were elements in the staff room he did not rate. Looks like the new head is taking action in this area. She is paid to take unpopular/difficult decisions let her do her job.
UP THE REVOLUTION
Seeing as much of the opposition is coming from girls who dislike the skirt, how about the school shop making the plaid material available for pupils to make their own? This would save their parents some money, keep the girls out of mischief for some time and might start a revival of the dying craft of dressmaking
A plea here.
I know many people on both sides of this discussion. All are decent folk with good values and excellent motives. It is natural for people to have different opinions and hold them passionately. My own 2 kids at LHS are on different sides of it!
However, I now think this has got out of hand and is damaging our community and should stop. Someone in charge of an organisation has got to make decisions. Whilst they’re in charge they must be allowed to make them. If the people who appoint the leader aren’t happy with them they should change the leader, not their decisions. The head seems to have made some compromises, whilst sticking to her original decision – not unreasonable.
We parents may disagree or not be happy with the process. But at the end of the day, unless you think this decision is so wrong that it will effect your kids educational outcome at the school, we should now work together to do the right things in the future and focus on the good things coming out of the school.
How many parents constitute a storm? Has there been a storm of protest at Lymm Lifes coverage of this issue?
MY Y7 DAUGHTER IS IN HER ROOM SOBBING AT THE PROSPECT OF WEARING THIS UNIFORM.
HANG YOUR HEAD IN SHAME MS WALSH AND GOVERNORS
Dear Disgusted and Disrespected
Your daughter should be brought up sharp. If the only distressing thing in her life is the thought of wearing this skirt she has a very lucky life. What values have her parents taught her? I suggest she gets involved with some charity work, helping those less fortunate than her. She needs a reality check.
Re Anon I totally agree!!! What are these parents thinking of?
We need to get a grip on reality and put things in perspective and get on with the job of bringing up well adjusted,happy,confident well educated children
Now that the school has made a decision and informed the press, I wonder when they will have the decency to inform the parents. Another example of the lack of communication between school and the parents.
I think you will find the school would NEVER had been involved with the press if this “action” group hadn’t gone to them in the first place. Requesting the children attended the photocall in “smart uniform”!!! Quite telling !!!
So just goes to show the kids can attend in smart uniform, so why the need to change – just enforce what they have as other schools do.
Yes, of course, the natural response of any good parent is to leave their distraught child sobbing her heart out and hurtle to the keyboard to score a few more political points. Perhaps if you hadn’t given her the impression a new skirt was the end of the world, she might be a liitle less upset? Or is she really crying because you are one of the militants who intend to send her to school improperly dressed to make your point come September? Your point of course being that nobody let you be in charge. Go upstairs, hug your child and tell her it doesn’t matter what she wears, she’ll still be the same brilliant person on the inside! This has all been absolutely nasty and all our children need reassurance that it’s over.
Because Pete parents haven’t!!
The uniforms are cheap and nasty, terrible quality and no continuity.
Well said – I agree. Those protesting do not speak for all parents. I know plenty of parents who agree with the change.
Re disgusted and disrespected – my daughter will be in year 7 in Sept. She won’t be sobbing in her room because I won’t be causing her to sob. Take a look at yourself as a parent before you criticise the school. You should be hanging your head in shame. Alternatively find another school.
LHS policy on uniform enforcement is on the web, unchanged. Been there since the site opened. Is anyone wondering what Social Services Policy might be on parents making children a target for disciplinary action from staff and bullying from their peers by forcing them to attend in breach of the dress code?
I hope that blogging such personal attacks makes you proud. I thank the Lord that I had parents who generated discussion and debate regarding critical issues that affected all aspects of family life. As a result my children do not live in a dictatorship in my home, but are free to express their opinions and are free to show their emotions and work through their feelings without shame. They are afforded value and respect that clearly some young people are not. I could make personal comments here, but then I would be lowering myself to your level.
Just for the record, my children have ALWAYS worn their uniform correctly and as a result justly feel that they are paying the price for pupils and parents who have disregarded uniform policy. Perhaps if school had bothered to engage in deliberate, open and non-biased discussion this whole scenario would have been avoided.
why are you all so nasty?Particularly the supporters. You seem to be the aggressors in my opinion. No matter how differant your opinions or beliefs that’s just wrong!
Why are you all critisizing another parents style of parenting,its not your job to get involved. The comment was not to stike an argument about parenting, it was to state what her family thinks of this topic. I quote from their comment ‘hold your head in shame’ but this time to all the people accusing someones style of parenting when they havn’t really got any idea!
If you don’t want other people to be involved keep your thoughts to yourself. Just shows how careful one should be when dealing with public media. Disgusted and disrespected seemed to be sloganising the discusion – not very constructive – and involved the personal details to achieve it – making the slogan emotive. How else can we engage this person in the debate without reponding to their comments?
Shouldn’t we challenge emotive comments? Perhaps they should be ignored, but why would they get involved if they wanted to be ignored? Or are they trying to control the debate by making emmotive comments then being offended when they are challenged. I am sure that Disgusted and Disrespected is a very good parent, however, as many people find to their cost, when their words appear in print or their actions are reported it can give a very narrow and distorting view, but as the editor of Lymm Life keeps saying we can only comment on the facts that we are aware of.
Did anyone go to this? Any reports anywhere? Or has this group disolved due to lack of support?
Action Group this, Action Group that, accusations of bad parenting, all being aimed at ‘The Action Group’. let’s get a few things clear. The kids arranged their protest BEFORE most parents were aware there was even an issue. The local papers reported on the kids protests again before we were aware of what was going on so it is absolutely 100% untrue to accuse ‘The Action Group’ of inciting people to riot. A bunch of mothers who were worried about what their children were coming home saying joined together to discuss things. There was no militant behaviour or incitements to riot. 2 parents spoke to the head in person, a conversation was had with Sheila Woodyatt and a letter was sent to the governors – not very hard core is it? ONE posting on this site was posted in the name of the action group – although no one from the group knows who that could have been so probably more scaremongery! I for one am VERY pleased that I don’t have to buy a new uniform for my daughters 8 months at school – I call that a result and feel that all of the local protests and news together with individual parent contact with the school has only helped. Hopefully the school and governors will be more considerate when they make future changes and we can start to see some of that good management we’ve all heard about. I’ve never been overtly rude on a forum or in person in my life and I feel that some of the ‘anti action group’ comments on this site are quite frankly disgusting as well as unfounded.
Consultation – Joke haha yes I agree.
I like how my letter reads that a full review was stareted last September. Why have we only been consulted in the last couple of weeks or so. We could have all joined the meetings that were being held to discuss this issue.
Trading standards set some guidelines out for schools on being the sole suppliers of the clothing as on the direct gov website I feel that these guidelines are not being followed. The school is not mean’t to have the monoply as to where we buy the stock and at ridiculous hiked prices.
I can’t help but feel the school is now back tracking because they know we should have been consulted long before the suppliers where informed. Stock is due end of August so this was sorted a long time ago.
All the supermarkets and high street shops currently have a school clothing price war on. We are being forced not to be able to benefit from this as we have to buy clothing that is unneccessarily logod from the school shop.
What a joke
So take your kids somewhere else!!! Most of your points are untrue and unhelpful (trading standards guidelines??? hiked prices???) – I, for one, am going to take the word of the hard-working staff and headteacher who are, after all, attempting to raise standards (eg NO increase in price of blazer). It’s so sad that they’ve had to face ignorant, ungrateful people; I’d be wondering why I bothered if I was one of them. I bet it would be difficult to quantify the time and effort that has gone into this – and no, it wouldn’t be useful OR feasible to involve EVERYONE at EVERY step along the way. Get a grip.
So why no complaints about other uniforms that you can’t buy elsewhere? Even within Lymm you have primary schools where logoed polo shirts and jumpers in unusual colours mean that there truly IS only one supplier. Parents with genuine difficulties are always able to access assistance. BTW, some of what’s being written here is so outrageous it’s actually funny 🙂
A respectful suggestion: educate and inform your child about what occurs in this world that is worth ‘sobbing’ about so that she can learn some perspective. She’s going to be one of 2000 kids in the same boat (mine’s one of them). She’s got 12 months anyway and even then can stick to black trousers. Honestly! Get a grip! Stop sympathising and she might even make a full recovery.