Lilly, a student at Holderness Academy in Hull, was among a group of girls asked to lift their blouses so a teacher could verify that their uniforms were purchased exclusively from the school.
However, Lilly was seen wearing a pleated skirt from Asda, which cost £7, instead of the nearly identical mandatory £17.99 version. As a result, she was placed in isolation.
Lilly, who has been in isolation since the previous week, and her parents, Katie and Wayne, explained that due to her slim build, they couldn't find a skirt that fit her from Rawcliffes Schoolwear and opted for one from Asda instead.
Mum Katie told Hull Live: "This year, teachers have been asking pupils to lift up their blouses so they can see the label in the waistband. When Lilly was found to have an Asda skirt, she was put in isolation and came home very upset."
In isolation, also known as 'reflection', students are made to sit in silence and answer questions from a textbook independently, rather than have a teacher-led lesson.
Dad Wayne said: "It's not her fault that she can't fit into the right one and she shouldn't be punished for it - the school needs to contact the parents directly to discuss it. The majority of the children being put in isolation are good kids that don't deserve to be there."
Liily described her experience of being in isolation. She is required to sit quietly and work independently from a textbook rather than having teacher-led lessons, which she finds 'boring and stressful'Wayne remarked, "It's not her fault that she can't wear the right one, and she shouldn't be punished for it. The school should contact the parents directly to discuss the issue. Most of the students being placed in isolation are well-behaved kids who don't deserve it."
Holderness Academy, along with other schools in the region, remains committed to its new uniform policies.
A spokesperson shared that uniforms foster equality and encourage a sense of pride and belonging in the community. While a small number of concerns have been raised by parents, the school will continue to work with them to overcome any barriers. They also emphasize the importance of demonstrating school values at all times.
A spokeswoman for the Consortium Trust, of which Holderness Academy is a part, stated: 'The start of the academic year is a key period in which standards and expectations are set."
They added: "We work respectfully with our students, demonstrating our school values at all times."
However, the Department of Education has made its stance on uniforms clear, advising schools to prioritize affordability when it comes to sourcing uniforms.
Toni's mum, Becky Richards alleged: "Toni's form tutor instructed her to lift her blouse up in front of her whole class and male teachers."
