Ryde Academy on the Isle of Wight has been criticised after allegedly making over 70 girls line up for two hours to have their skirts measured. Those judged to be too short were sent home, prompting accusations of degrading treatment from parents.
One parent said taller girls struggle to find knee-length skirts in shops, adding: 'They were being judged on their body shape and size... that's not what teenage girls need.' The school insists it communicated uniform expectations clearly over the summer via newsletters and video explainers.
Other changes at the academy include pouches for mobile phones, which remain locked until the end of the school day. A spokesperson said the approach is used nationwide to reduce distractions.
This is not the first time Ryde Academy has faced controversy over uniform enforcement. In 2014, a zero-tolerance policy led to dozens of students being sent home and hundreds placed in isolation detention.
