School uniform row

And action taken by parents against the new clothing has been described as 'inappropriate' by the college's chairman of governors, Robert Brandley, who says the uniform is going ahead.

Protesters have been handing out leaflets to parents and pupils at the school gates. On Saturday they took to the streets dressed in the old school uniform to gain support by inviting the public to sign a petition.

Mr Brandley told the Express: 'We are trying to make a new start at SHCC in conjunction with the specialist status the school has been awarded which will start in September. We want to make changes. We have a brilliant new principal.

'Given the current uniform is black, as part of the new start we really want to change this as it is really rather drab.'

Mr Brandley said the college had enthusiastic teaching staff who wanted to take it further '“ in a town like Seaford there should be a really thriving secondary school.

He said everyone was consulted '“ pupils, staff, parents and governors '“ but only 16 per cent responded.

He added: 'From those responses we looked very carefully at what was being said and the governing body decided they would have to amend the proposals.

'First, we only made it compulsory for years seven, eight and nine, so pupils in their last two years could retain the current uniform with no additional cost to parents.

'Parents can now buy shirts, trousers and skirts from wherever they like as long as it is the uniform. The main concern was the cost of blazers but we have agreed with our supplier a savings plan where parents can put a bit away each week. We feel we have met the views of parents.'

Mr Brandley said just a few parents were actively campaigning against the uniform. 'I have to say their actions have been completely inappropriate '“ there have been two incidents which have caused the governors very grave concern.

'Parents can leaflet wherever they like but should not target pupils. A group of parents dressed in the old school uniform and paraded around the town centre, and the governors felt this was also a totally irresponsible response.

'The governors will continue to implement the new school uniform.'

Mr Brandley said pupils who came to school in the wrong uniform would be sent home to change just as they would if they were wearing trainers.

If pupils persisted with incorrect uniform, responsibility would be with the local education authority to ensure they were educated.

Mrs Paula Cripps has two sons at the college and is against the proposals. She was one of the parents who had been leafleting and who dressed up on Saturday.

She said: 'Saturday went very well and we have quite a lot of support through the post. We have had 80 letters and 799 people have signed the petition. It is called a community college but where does the community come in to it? Perhaps they should change the name.'

A meeting for parents against the new uniform takes place at Seaford Football Club at 7pm on Wednesday.