SWELTERING Ryde High School students banned from wearing shorts and short skirts during the heatwave continued to simmer this week.
As temperatures rose and sixth-formers grumbled, the school countered their allegations.
In an e-mail, students said: "Boys and girls are being sent home for wearing 'inappropriate’ shorts and skirts.
"Many staff members choose to wear shorts or short skirts and summer flip-flops themselves — and we are reprimanded for wearing clothing that is 'not suitable office wear’.
"The heatwave affected everybody at work or school and the choice to wear shorts and skirts made our learning more comfortable and therefore more focused.
"The school’s lower years continue to break the uniform policy of knee-length skirts, as do most schools on the Island, and yet we
find ourselves harassed at upper school."
But acting headteacher Rob Hoddle said: "Before the start of the current academic year, a meeting was held with the head of sixth form, a school governor and sixth form students.
"It was agreed post-16 students should dress in a 'smart casual’ style, which would be acceptable in a normal office working environment, that there should be no shorts and skirts should be knee length.
"To discuss students’ recent concerns, we held a meeting with members of staff, students and a representative of the governing body.
"Suggestions for changes are being considered but, at this stage, no decisions have been made to change the current dress code.
"There is also a dress code for staff that is followed. Other year groups wear uniform and skirts have to be knee length.
"Students are fully aware of the dress code and the school reserves the right to send students home to get appropriately dressed if they are in breach of it."
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk