A SCHOOL has hit back over claims it is singling out pupils who turn up with the wrong type of bag.

Seaford Head School in Seaford has been criticised after a parent gathered more than 1,000 signatures on a petition urging the school to change its uniform policy.

The rules state a pupil must carry a specific school-issued rucksack with them, and any student failing to do so would have to swap their rucksacks for a plastic bag for the day.

But the school has backed its uniform policy and said: "Seaford Head does have a standard uniform policy that includes a school bag for carrying equipment.

"The school is committed to ensuring no student is disadvantaged by financial hardship.

"Any parent or carer unable to purchase items of the uniform due to financial hardship receives a range of support from the school.

"In the last 12 months more than 50 items of clothing, including shoes, school bags, ties and full uniforms, have been purchased by the school for students.

"The school also has an active Parent Teacher Association with support from numerous parents who have put together a stock of nearly new uniform that is available to any student requiring it."

As Seaford Head Community College the school was rated as Requiring Improvement by Ofsted in 2008 and two years later it was Good with Outstanding Features before becoming an academy in 2012.

The spokesman added: "Seaford Head is rated Good with Outstanding Features by Ofsted.

"The school is in the top ten per cent of schools for student progress in the UK and in the top 20 per cent of state schools for attainment."

One parent, who asked to remain anonymous, jumped to the school's defence, saying the petition was being signed by those who did not know the full details.

She added: "I'm refusing to sign the petition going around. Seaford Head are telling the truth.

"It's a fair school and you have people signing the petition that haven't even got kids there.

"This is a couple of parents who don't want to replace their current bags and people who don't know the full story are signing their forms.

"They helped me with uniform for my son who started there last September as they knew at the time I was struggling and already had another son at the school.

"The school has also offered parents payment plans if they are unable to afford them at the time."

The controversial plastic bags are now not being used at the school.

The school spokesman added: "Previously, some were given out to students who wouldn't use the school bag given to them free of charge, or refused to buy the one currently available."