Ipswich Chantry Academy on blazer heatwave complaints

During the first week of the new term, a number of students attending Chantry Academy fell foul of the uniform policy after not bringing in their blazers due to the heat.

The school has said the decision is part of "maintaining high standards" and that students are not expected to wear them during lesson time. 

One parent, who asked to remain anonymous, said that one of the teachers took children home to collect blazers. 

Parents also told this paper some students were put into isolation due to the matter.

One Chantry Academy parent said: "I find it ludicrous that an item of clothing is regarded as more important than education, and even more so that no school work was completed during this isolation as isolation is considered a punishment.

"The school is there to educate, not dictate." 

Craig D'Cunha, executive headteacher of Chantry Academy, said, "Maintaining high uniform standards sets a positive tone for the year, instills pride in our students, and fosters personal responsibility.

  Craig D'Cunha, executive headteacher of Chantry Academy, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

"Our uniform policy is clearly outlined on the school website and we notified parents at the end of the summer term about our uniform expectations and reiterated this before the start of this term. Within this policy, we strive to keep the costs of uniforms low for families. 

"Should a student arrive in school not wearing the required uniform then we resolve this on an individual basis and inform the student’s parents. This is done as quickly as we can to ensure students can then go back to their lessons." 

Mr D'Cunha added that due to the recent hot weather, while students are expected to bring blazers to school as per the uniform policy, there has been no expectation for students to wear blazers during their lesson time. 

Lynsey Holzer, CEO of The Active Learning Trust said: "We are in complete support of the school's strategy to maintain high standards at the school."