'Pretentious" and "unnecessarily expensive" school uniform changes have incurred the wrath of parents.

Whitehill Primary School in Sun Lane, Gravesend announced the proposals earlier this month to the disapproval of various parents who likened the attire to that of a "private secondary school".

From September it will see existing blue polo tops replaced with white dress shirts and pupils required to wear neck ties.

New jumpers and cardigans costing £16.00 each will also be required alongside various other items incorporating the school's new shield and tower logo and motif.

In a brochure outlining the changes consulted on it said this would allow the academy to "promote and strengthen its reputation in the community" and further align itself with the Decus Educational Trust – which also incorporates Gravesend Grammar School.

But parents have voiced their anger over the plans which they claim are "expensive, uncomfortable and unsafe" and will hit the pocket of hard working families at a difficult time.

They have launched a petition calling on school governors and the Trust to rethink the changes.

"I'm shocked at the timing of all this," said one mum, whose child attends the school and did not want to be named.

"The children have only just gone back to school. Shops have been closed, the children have gone back wearing the clothes we are cobbling together."

The parent hit out at the move which she claimed was ill-judged in the wake of the disruption to working families and the number of pupils on free school meals.

"It's not just the cost," she continued, adding how some mums and dads had taken exception to students wearing neck ties. It is also felt the plans fail to take account of children with sensory needs.

"We think neck ties don't have a place in society for primary school children, they are old fashioned and practically dangerous," the mum added.

Parents also hit out at the exclusivity of the purchasing arrangements with families directed to the school's official partner store.

Instead, they feel they should be free to purchase alternative items in more affordable locations, such as supermarkets and sew on the school emblem themselves.

So far nearly 200 people have voiced their disapproval at the arrangements as part of an online petition.

One posted: "Uniforms should be comfortable and available to purchase from any high street outlet at economical prices that all can afford."

Another wrote: "It’s outrageous that during a global pandemic when parents are financially struggling, that Whitehill think it’s fair to introduce a new costly school uniform with hardly any notice or transition period.

"At a time that the government are extending free school meals, and other initiatives are in place to help struggling families, this is a massive kick in the teeth to us parents.

"The focus should be on our children’s education during this time, not how they look."

To support the community the Decus Educational Trust says it will gift every child with certain items according to their year group.

Headteacher Adam Lowing said: "Whitehill is currently seeking feedback from parents and carers in relation to potential proposals for changes to our vision, strategic plan, logo and uniform.

"We welcome parental feedback and we are giving a two week opportunity for families, ending on Tuesday May 4, to submit any questions, queries, compliments or concerns to the school.

"We will listen to all responses and then give careful consideration as to how we may move forward."

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend