An angry Ipswich mother has blasted a school’s decision to send home her teenage daughter because her skirt, make-up and jewellery broke uniform rules.

Ormiston Endeavour Academy in Defoe Road, the former Thurleston High School, has defended its stance on school uniform after the incident left the Year 11 pupil in tears, believing she is overweight, according to her mother.

The family do not wish to be named but said the girl was sent home minutes after arriving yesterday because her skirt was too short, she was wearing too much make-up, and her nose stud contravened jewellery rules.

Her parents visited the school to complain and she was allowed to return later in the morning. The family has until next week to buy more suitable clothing, the mother said. She disputes the school’s claims that her daughter’s skirt was too short. She said her daughter was also sent home on several occasions before the summer break because her trousers were “too tight”.

The school’s uniform policy states: “Girls may wear a black knee length skirt”. For jewellery, it says “students are permitted to wear one pair of studs when in the academy”. For make-up, adds: “Our policy is that make-up is to be natural, so it is not noticeable.”

The mother said: “This has given my daughter a complex; she thinks she’s fat. I’m so angry.

“It’s one of those elastic ones which does ride up with tights. I agree with the school’s standards, but the same style (of skirts and trousers) will never suit girls of different shapes and sizes. Just because other girls have thinner legs, it is okay.

“It was upsetting to see her in tears. She is not a naughty girl. There is a lot of peer pressure to not wear anything not trendy.

“The school has not apologised.”

A girl missed two mock GCSEs after being sent home this year in Manchester because her hemline was a few inches above the knee.

Ormiston Academies Trust, which runs the school, said: “It is essential that all our students are smart and well-presented, and that they follow the uniform policy. We make no apologies for that. The academy has very high standards and these are reflected in all parts of school life.

“Our uniform policy is communicated to parents, carers and students well before the start of term to ensure all are clear on our expectations. We are pleased the vast majority of (pupils and their families) support the policy.”