UPSET parents have hit out at a high school for banning skirts and skinny trousers halfway through the school year.

Clacton Coastal Academy has made the move as part of a series of changes to the school’s policy to “improve the standards of education.”

One mum said: “It is disgraceful – just after the expense of Christmas, we now have to find the money for this.”

Hayley Bond, speaking to BBC Essex radio, said: “I’m all for following the rules, having uniforms and looking smart - my children always have looked smart.

“But I think it’s gone a bit over the top now – they have taken away their individuality.

The mother, parent to two pupils at the school, added: “They are concentrating more on what they look like than on educating them.

“I am not very happy with it and my children aren’t.”

An Ofsted report in May 2018 ruled the school required improvement, and executive head Dale Jackson was appointed to help turn around its fortunes.

Mr Jackson, who previously led Kingswood Academy in Hull from ‘inadequate’ to its current rating of ‘good’, has rolled out a number of changes.

He works alongside the school’s principal Stephanie Neill in the role.

The uniform change has been introduced alongside a new rewards and behaviour system for pupils and an “academic mentoring programme.”

As parents took to social media to debate the new uniform, many came out in support of the change.

Another parent said: “Skinny jeans and belts for skirts have never been uniform, yet parents have allowed their kids to go off to school in such clothes.

“At least now the school are enforcing it.

“There is nothing wrong with smart trousers and correct shoes.”

A school spokesman said shoes and trousers are being provided free of charge to students who need them.

He said: “We have an unwavering drive to improve the standards of education at Clacton Clacton Coastal Academy.

“Our aim is to ensure that every student leaves the academy with the qualifications, skills and attributes needed to go on to lead a remarkable life.

“Improving the standards of uniform is one of many areas we are focusing on, alongside a new approach to rewards and behaviour, and a new academic mentoring programme.

“In addition to this we have also developed and introduced a new approach to improving the standards of teaching and learning across the academy.”

He added: “We have the highest expectations.

“Wearing the correct uniform is a way to ensure that students look smart, are equal and are fully prepared for the world of work.

“Since the launch of the new uniform policy at the start of term we have received many positive comments from parents who are delighted with our approach and are pleased we are taking a firm line.”