Sheringham High School under fire over shoe ban

Sheringham High School has become embroiled in a bizarre row over what constitutes a 'shoe' - with parents claiming pupils are missing lesson time and being forced to swap their shoes for pairs provided by the school.

But headteacher Alastar Ogle has denied pupils are being punished insisting youngsters are pleased with the uniform changes.

Sheringham High School (Image: Adam Barker)

The school’s uniform policy states "black leather or polishable leather-style shoes" are permitted but trainers are banned.

However, some parents say their children have been told off for wearing all-black polishable trainers.

And they argue exceptions should be made as the cost of living continues to bite. 

Emma White said her son is being punished unfairly.

'Incorrect' shoes worn by parent Emma White's children (Image: Emma White)

“Being a single mum on a budget, I feel it is important parents can choose where they buy their children’s shoes - and what brand of shoe they buy - in order to suit their lifestyle and budget,” she said.

“It often makes more sense to buy a second-hand, branded shoe as then you have a good-quality shoe for a fraction of the price - and a shoe that your child can wear outside of school too.”

READ MORE: Sheringham High School retains 'Good' Ofsted status

But Mr Ogle said students have never faced punishments for wearing incorrect uniform.

Sheringham High School headteacher Alastair Ogle (Image: Neil Hunt Photography)

"Trainers have not been allowed to be worn at school since 2018,” he said.

“Students are not punished for wearing incorrect uniform. I am aware of some online posts saying that students are being sent to isolation for having incorrect shoes. This is not true.

“The room we used to use for isolation is where we keep some the shoes and students who want them, collect them from that room.

"Staff and students are incredibly proud of our new uniform."

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