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The Charles Dickens School in Broadstairs refuses entry to pupils for improper uniform

00:00, 02 June 2015

updated: 10:11, 02 June 2015

A Margate mum is furious with her daughter’s school after she was refused entry - for wearing skinny trousers.

The Charles Dickens School in Broadstairs has changed its policy on school uniform and turned away several Year 10 pupils yesterday who were "incorrectly dressed".

Outraged parent Nicki McDonald, 39, of Byron Avenue, said: "I saw 30 to 40 pupils outside the school gates left to do what they like for the day and it is absolutely disgusting.

The Charles Dickens School head teacher Andrew Olsson
The Charles Dickens School head teacher Andrew Olsson

“I was sent a text message on May 25 which said the school uniform policy was changing but it did not say it was from Monday, and did not say they would be refused access.

“My daughter can look after herself but a lot of 15-year-olds would not be able to and we as parents expect them to be in school to learn.

"Fortunately I wasn’t at work today, and came in and spoke to the headmaster; he gave us a week to get the required uniform.

I saw 30 to 40 pupils outside the school gates left to do what they like for the day and it is absolutely disgusting. - mum Nicki McDonald

“My daughter will be going into school because she has mock exams for the next two weeks.”

Headmaster Andrew Olsson said: “We informed parents by text and in our newsletter that we would be reinforcing school uniform expectations.

“There were no issues with the uniform of an overwhelming majority of 1,200 students today, and some parents have emailed me applauding our decision to take the uniform seriously.

“One parent said it’s not just about learning at school but learning respect.”

Mr Olsson said only pupils in Year 10 were sent home to dress correctly and return and others have been given a week to get the appropriate uniform.

He continued: “We did not send home any pupils from Years 7 to 9 but they were spoken to in our theatre and in some cases there were phone calls home to remind parents.

“No external exams were affected and I did not write to Year 11 students who are currently on study leave.

“We have rewards trips at the end of term for different ages and any student in full uniform with 100% attendance and good behaviour will be invited.”

The Charles Dickens school has been under special measures since September.

Mr Olsson added: “We are well on our journey to hopefully removing ourselves from special measures rapidly.

“This year we have had two very successful visits from inspectors.”

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