A mum says she is furious her daughter has been punished for wearing an elasticated skirt to school.

Leann Hogg sent teenager Katelin back for the new term at her Gillingham school in an "identical" garment she wore throughout last year.

But a week after returning to Robert Napier School, the perturbed pupil was ordered to spend a day in the referral unit because her skirt did not comply with uniform regulations.

Single mum Leann, who relies on state benefits, was told the 16-year-old was banned from attending until she was kitted out in a skirt with a zip in it.

She said: "It's ridiculous. I didn't know what to do. I had to ask my mum to pay for it or keep her at home because I don't get paid until Thursday."

The 41-year-old, who has another daughter, aged 21, said: "I think they have got their priorities all wrong.

"Because of lockdown she has been off school and it's crucial she gets back into the classroom for her studies.

"I'm lucky I had my mum help out but a lot of people don't have family around and some have lost their jobs during the pandemic.

"Instead, she's put in a room where naughty kids are sent."

Another parent, who did not want to be named, complained because his daughter was put in "isolation" because her skirt – a cheaper option – was not bought from the uniform shop.

He said: "You would think after nearly two years off school, the staff would have more important things to concentrate on."

Head teacher Steve Quenby has responded to the complaints – saying parents were told what was required more than once.

He said: "Following all of the uncertainty and anxiety last year as a consequence of the pandemic, and to enable staff to focus on driving standards through teaching and learning, we have been reminding students of the high expectations required by the school with regards uniform, behaviour and mobile phones.

"Parents and students were reminded of these by letter in the run up to the summer holidays, during the summer holidays and following our return in September.

"Copies of the school uniform policy can be found on the school website."

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