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August 2016
Protests force school to seek a cheaper uniform supplier By Danny Richardson
THE battle over Holmfirth High’s uniform changes has taken a twist – with parents claiming their protests have forced the school to source a cheaper supplier. The school informed parents just before Easter that it would be introducing skirts and trousers baring the school logo, after concerns were raised over appropriate school wear. Originally, parents say that some branded skirts and trousers were set to cost them as much as £20.50 per item – claiming that’s triple the cost of what’s available on the high street. However, Holmfirth High says it has now sourced a new supplier – Principle Uniform – which prices the clothes at £10.99. Parents say it is their campaign that has forced
the school to take action – although some are still unhappy. Heather Thompson, whose son will be in his final year from September, said: “I’m not convinced about the new supplier. It hasn’t opened yet and appears to be linked to a previous company that was only open for eight months and was met with masses of complaints. “Plus, parents have already been bullied by the school into buying the more expensive uniform at double the price. “The decision to find a cheaper supplier has come at the 11th hour – it’s too late.” Campaign action so far includes both online and paper petitions against the changes – which parents say have a combined total of around 450 signatures. Last month, a public meeting was held by campaigners
where they discussed further action. It is expected that come September, some parents will boycott the changes by sending their kids to school in the old style uniform. Heather said: “This all started when the school decided to introduce the new uniform without proper consultation. “In 2015, a survey of parents, pupils and staff found that 77 per cent were fine with the current uniform. Then, the school started clamping down in September last year. “Natasha Schoolwear (a local uniform supplier), suggested having a logo to bring in that consistency, and presented the uniform to a parent forum for feedback. “The uniform Natasha’s suggested includes pleated mini skirts, which are not suitable for girls with a fuller figure, leaving them open to bullying. I have major concerns
about the body issues this will cause – I can only assume that the five parents on the forum don’t have daughters themselves.” Parents also claim the introduction of the new uniform is part of the school’s plans to become an academy. Heather said: “In my opinion, they are planning to make the school an academy, and even if they consult with parents on the issue, they will ignore the results of any consultation if it doesn’t fit their plans, just like they have done with the uniform issue. “If they become an academy they will be able to run the school however they want. They will decide who can come to the school, and it won’t be the kids from the less well off families because of the uniform prices.” Holmfirth High School was unavailable for comment.
Meltham’s Jamie Bower is starting to make a name for himself on the world stage – putting up some impressive performances in tournaments around the world. Highlights include a tour of South Africa, where he reached the quarter finals of the South African Amateur tournament, and claimed victory in the Southern Cape Open. He’s also competed in the British Amateur Championships, the amateur French Open and European Men’s Team Championships. But his biggest win came in the prestigious Brabazon Trophy back on home soil. Full story on page 4
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