A mother has criticized The Heys School in Prestwich, Manchester, after her 15-year-old son was suspended for a day and a half for wearing his PE kit during a record-breaking heatwave. Andrea Dallen, 46, sent her son to school on June 24 in his PE kit—a thin black sports top with the school emblem, black shorts, and plain black trainers—to help him cope with temperatures reaching 31 degrees Celsius. By lunchtime, she received a call informing her that her son had been suspended for not changing into the full school uniform, which includes a black blazer, white shirt, and black trousers.
School's Decision Sparks Outrage
Andrea, a social worker, expressed disbelief at the school's decision, stating, “It is ridiculous that they would rather send him home and make him miss his education when he is still in his uniform, the PE kit even has the school badge on it.” She noted that other schools in the area had allowed students to wear PE kits since Monday, and that The Heys School had only permitted students to remove blazers, not to wear lighter clothing. “I don't understand why the school is being so controlling. It isn’t going to make you learn any different, it could help him to learn more since he would be more comfortable,” she added.
Government Guidance vs. School Policy
The government has issued guidance advising schools to consider relaxing uniform rules during hot weather, but ultimately leaves the decision to individual schools. Around 1,000 schools in England and Wales chose to close due to the heat, and many adjusted their uniform policies. Andrea claims that other children who also wore PE kits were sent home but not suspended, while her son faced a formal suspension. She described her son as a “good boy” who does not miss school and is in top set for his classes. She has since filled the freezer with ice creams to keep him cool during his suspension at home. The Heys School has been approached for comment but has not yet responded.
