We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Every student at Newsome Academy in Huddersfield has been given free blazers, jumpers and ties for the 2021/22 academic year. Headteacher Dean Watkin also confirmed the school provided students with a free bag, pencil case, clipboards and brand new equipment.

Mr Watkin says the school had taken the decision in order to save families time, money and energy.

He told YorkshireLive: “Obviously there is a discussion around the cost, and I absolutely agree, it is costly to buy uniform.

“We are wanting to do some really exciting things this year and it’s about breaking down those barriers. So, we are supporting our families and our community by picking up that cost because we want students to succeed.”

Mr Watkin said the school was also keen for students to have options when it comes to deciding what to wear.

He continued: “There is often national debate around uniform and the cost of it, but also on the lack of options.

“We have supplied families with a jumper and a blazer. Students can wear both, just the blazer or just the jumper. With Covid and ventilation we want to ensure that students are warm.

“That has gone down really well because they get freedom in choosing which items they want to wear.”

DON’T MISS
Man admits attempted murder of partner who won £5.5m on lottery[UK]
Madeley skewers M25 eco-activist protester ‘Risk that child’s life!?'[POLITICS]
Kate Middleton altered Diana’s £400,000 engagement ring[LIFE]

Mr Watkin said parents have reacted very positively to the move with many saying it “saved a lot of hassle and money”.

He added: “I was having a conversation with a parent via email, and they rightly mentioned that it will reduce potential bullying issues now that students no longer have different items that may or may not stand out for different reasons.”

Asked how the school has funded the gesture, Mr Watkin said: “We have made various changes and updated the finance arrangement which means that we can now invest that money back into the community, which is what we are trying to do.”

The move coincides with a new £5m investment at Newsome Academy.

The money, granted by the Department for Education, will go towards new classrooms, cutting edge Wi-Fi and extensive building work which is expected to be ongoing at the school throughout the year.

Additional reporting by Connor Teale.

Source: Read Full Article