16192/4PUPILS at Devizes School will be sent home to change or put in isolation if they turn up for lessons not in the correct school uniform.

That is the message that has gone home with pupils this week as the school tightens up on the wearing of uniform at the 1,200-pupil specialist sports college.

Headteacher Malcolm Irons warned that sanctions will be taken against those not wearing the regulation polo shirt, sweatshirt and black shoes.

Mr Irons told the Gazette that, with the warmer weather coming in during the summer, some pupils take advantage of the situation to turn up in less than appropriate dress.

He said: "Most pupils wear the uniform well and look very smart at school, but there is a small but very conspicuous minority who do not.

"What happens is that they will take their sweatshirts off because it is warm and then, when they feel cold again, they will put on another sweatshirt that is not school uniform."

Other infringements include shirts hanging out, trainers being worn instead of regulation black shoes and hooded tops or 'hoodies' like those banned in certain shopping centres.

Mr Irons said: "I believe that wearing a school uniform brings with it a sense of pride and belonging to the school.

"But it is also a matter of self-discipline. Appearances matter, especially if you're going for a job interview or attending a special event."

This week there are assemblies each morning during which pupils' appearance will be checked and then, next Monday, the campaign will begin in earnest:

n Uniforms will be checked in all lessons and assemblies.

n Pupils wearing trainers who have their shoes in their bags will have one of their trainers confiscated for the rest of the day.

n Pupils who have medical reasons for not wearing school shoes should have a letter of explanation from their parents with an indication of how long the condition is likely to last.

Sanctions will be taken against pupils who persistently flout the rules about school uniform. These range from being sent home to change to being kept in the isolation class for the rest of the day.

Mr Irons said: "What we don't want is someone walking around the school, setting a bad example to other pupils. In 99 cases out of 100 we have the wholehearted co-operation of parents."

Mr Irons also reminds parents and pupils that nose studs are not allowed in school.

He advises that, if a parent is prepared to let their daughter have their nose pierced, it is done at the beginning of the school holidays, so that by the time the pupil is back at school the stud can be safely taken out during the day.

In the main, the reaction from parents was positive. One mum, Nicola Elliott, said: "The only thing that puzzles me is confiscating one trainer. I think that is rather odd. Other than that, it seems like a good idea. Wearing uniform is good discipline."

Steve Botham, two of whose four children attend Devizes School, said: "I'm all in favour of uniforms and all in favour of enforcing it.

"It may be a little draconian to send them home the first day they turn up not in uniform but on the whole wearing uniform cuts out any discrimination among pupils."