MARCH: Neale-Wade students given a uniform makeover which means ties can go

PUPILS at Neale-Wade Community College, March are dressed to impress. Students from a range of year groups took time to show off their new attire at the college on Monday. A radical change, to be brought in from September, means that ties will no longer b

PUPILS at Neale-Wade Community College, March are dressed to impress.

Students from a range of year groups took time to show off their new attire at the college on Monday.

A radical change, to be brought in from September, means that ties will no longer be worn and blazers will not be compulsory.

The new uniform consists of a white polo short, a black sweatshirt with the students' House name, written in the House colour, and black trousers or a skirt.

Blazers and ties have been a compulsory part of the college's uniform for more than 10 years.

Principal Tim Hitch admits the parents' response has been mixed.

He said: "Some parents have liked it and some parents don't want a change. We just wanted to make it more modern and comfortable and the uniforms will also be easier for parents to look after.

"The uniforms will be eased in and parents can wait until the old uniforms are worn out before they buy the new ones."

Vice principal Liz Cox said: "We've spent about three years speaking to students, governors to decide on the new uniform and, the response, from the students in particular, has been superb.

"It was a good way to get the House system recognised in the school uniform."

The House system started at the college two years ago and sees Years 7 to 11 mixed together in six different Houses.

Each House registers together and Houses are represented on events such as sports days.