A SCHOOLGIRL was reportedly sent home from school for not wearing tights on the hottest June day on record, causing her to miss her mock exams.
The 15-year-old’s mum, who has asked not to be named, said she was furious after her daughter was sent home after 15 minutes.
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Co-op Academy Manchester, Blackley, where a schoolgirl was sent home and missed her mock exam Credit: MEN Media
Girls attending Co-op Academy Manchester are being sent home unless they’re wearing tights or trousers Credit: MEN Media
She arrived at Co-op Academy, after travelling an hour and a half to get there, in a skirt with shorts underneath and socks.
Teachers then sent her home as they said tights were still “mandatory” despite the soaring temperatures, and girls had been encouraged to wear trousers instead.
The girl – who has apparently previously suffered from heatstroke – then missed her French mock exam, her mum added.
While other Co-op schools have relaxed their dress code, students in Blackley who normally opt for tights and skirts have been told to wear trousers.
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The mum said: ‘She was in school for no longer than 15 minutes so she missed her French mock exam.
“Other Co-op academies are allowing PE kits, but when I asked why they aren’t, they said because it’s policy and it’s not smart.
“We live on the far side of Oldham so my daughter travels for over an hour and a half just to get to school.”
Following the incident, the mum has been in contact with the school to tell them her daughter will only be attending exams and will return home immediatly after.
“She’s got her food exam today but she’s got my permission to come straight home after it,’ said the 34-year-old.
“She’s going in her tights and just taking them off after the exam. I don’t think it’s safe for her to be there longer than an hour. She’s had heatstroke in the past so that’s what I’m trying to avoid.”
The school announced its “temporary changes to uniform” in a recent weather update.
It said “Due to the heatwave, we are making changes to the uniform this week. Students do not need to wear their blazers or ties to the academy for the remainder of the week.
“They should leave them at home until further notice.
“Students who normally wear skirts and tights are encouraged to wear school trousers, if they have them.
The Greater Manchester area is currently subject to an amber weather warning which is in place until midnight tonight.
Temperatures are once again expected to soar over 30C in a record-breaking heatwave.
Across the country more than 1,000 schools have closed due to the heat.
More than 850 schools in England and Wales told parents they would be fully closed or finishing early.
Many pupils at schools not choosing to close have been told they can wear their PE kits to attend, rather than a full uniform, which often involves long trousers and blazers.
A spokesperson for Co-op Academy Manchester said: “We introduced temporary uniform adjustments this week in response to the high temperatures, including allowing pupils to attend without blazers, jumpers or ties.
“As part of this guidance, pupils who would normally wear a skirt and tights were encouraged to wear school trousers if they had them available, helping students stay comfortable during the exceptionally warm weather.
“Our priority is always to maintain a safe, consistent and purposeful learning environment while supporting pupil wellbeing.
“Uniform expectations are communicated clearly to families and, where questions or concerns arise, we work directly with parents and carers to provide support and find an appropriate solution.”
