A ban on knee-high socks at a secondary school has prompted a deluge of protests from parents and pupils.

Senior teaching staff at Strood Academy have issued a change in uniform, deeming long black socks should not be worn "to ensure consistency in length and appropriateness".

A school statement said addressing the issue helped to prevent pupils "attracting unwanted attention" and is "ultimately about safeguarding their welfare in and around the school".

But hundreds of parents are angry the ruling is petty and feel staff should be more focused on settling their daughters in after being away for six months.

Mum-of-two Kim Elliott vented her feelings on social media asking for other people's opinions. And within days she had around 300 comments sharing her views.

The 46-year-old, of Brompton Farm Road, said: "A lot of the girls, including my daughter, had anxiety about going back and now this has flared up. It's ridiculous, all over the length of a sock."

Kim, who is mum to Jessika, 13, and Erin, 16, added: "We have never had a problem because I believe in sticking to the rules and think uniform is important. My eldest has just left the school and wore long socks, so I didn't take it seriously when the notice came round.

"I'm not a troublemaker and thought long and hard before posting. But I just thought I would gauge people's thoughts.

Apparently girls have been given detention. My daughter was so upset, I put her in tights. But she doesn't like them and came out in a rash.

"I can't see what the problem is. I think they look smart – and they are advertised in shops as school socks. Personally, I think they look smart. "

In July, the uniform policy set out black or skin-toned tights and black socks.

But by early September this had changed to black ankle socks only, by which time most parents had bought uniform for the new term.

"I can't see what the problem is. I think they look smart – and they are advertised in shops as school socks. Personally, I think they look smart..."

Richard Taylor, spokesman for Leigh Academies' Trust which runs the Carnation Road school, said: "Strood Academy expects students to uphold high standards of appearance at all times and like most schools we have a uniform policy that outlines the expectations clearly to parents and students.

"The current policy was introduced with consultation with parents two years ago but due to some ambiguity in relation to socks we recently issued a clarification to ensure better consistency and understanding.

"The recent clarification was in relation to socks and outlined that girls can wear black socks or tights in winter and that all socks should be worn at the ankle to ensure consistency in length.

"Alternatively girls may choose to wear school trousers. We believe that this gives girls adequate choice and options depending on the season.

Mr Taylor added: "The original policy was silent on length so further clarity was provided by the school to remove any ambiguity.

"Addressing a uniform issue that helps our students dress appropriately that prevents them attracting unwanted attention is ultimately about safeguarding their welfare in and around the school."

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