Cardinal Newman headteacher James Kilmartin bans pupils from wearing coats inside school

Cardinal Newman Catholic School in The Upper Drive, Hove, has cracked the whip on its uniform policy, leaving pupils furious as the Met Office predicts today to be as cold as -1C in Brighton and Hove.

One boy in Year 10, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “My school has created a massive problem after the Ofsted inspection and have told all students that coats aren't to be worn inside of school.

“Ok, fair enough not wearing them in class, but for us not to be able to wear them at breaks or going from lesson to lesson is bonkers.

“My school isn't listening.

“Thehead teacher said wearing the coat inside was a security issue.

“Also it would be ok if there were lockers or hangers in the school, but we're made to put it in our bags or carry it around.”

Newman was subject to an Ofsted inspection this month, the details of which will be published in the next couple of weeks, but headteacher Dr James Kilmartin would not be drawn on whether the uniform crackdown was as a result of the education watchdog’s visit.

He said: "Here at Cardinal Newman Catholic School we have a strict uniform policy which is in line with our high standards and expectations.

“We do not allow any non-uniform items including overcoats, excessive jewellery etc to be worn in any of the school buildings between 8.40am and 3pm.

“Our uniform policy here at Cardinal Newman Catholic School is well established and we are simply reminding students of the policy as they come back to start a new term.

“The sanction for non-compliance of school uniform is a break time detention.

“However, the vast majority of our students readily comply with this policy and demonstrate pride in attending Cardinal Newman Catholic School and wearing the uniform.

“We are always keen to work with our parents and carers and respond to any specific concerns.

“We would like to thank our parents and carers for the huge amount of support they give us in this and other matters.”