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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