ANGRY parents have threatened to boycott a new school uniform, calling it ‘an unnecessary expense’ and a ‘waste of perfectly good clothes’.

Oakdale South Road Middle School in Poole has told parents they must replace their children’s uniforms entirely by September, when the school becomes Oakdale Junior School.

But more than 100 have joined a protest group on Facebook, saying the uniform is expensive and not as smart as the old shirt and tie. In a letter, the group said the move could be ‘financially crippling’ for some.

One said: “My daughter and son will not be wearing the new uniform and if they have to change schools so be it.”

Parents also claim they were told by the outgoing head at two school meetings last September that uniform changes would be minor and phased in. Some even stocked up during a recent sale in the school uniform shop.

Adele Oliver-House has one son at the school and another joining in September. She had hoped to spend under £20, making use of hand-me-downs, but said she would have to spend £170 to provide both boys the new gear.

The mum-of-three added: “If you’ve got two or three children at the school that’s an awful lot of money. It’s going to hit parents hard – it’s a huge difference.

“Basically they are taking a really nice uniform, giving us a rubbish replacement and making us pay a lot of money for it.

“There’s no provision made for people who are hard up – and they’re totally going against what they told us before.”

Chair of governors David Mann said in a statement issued by Poole council: “When we looked to introduce a new uniform we gave parents six different options to choose from and the opportunity to comment on the proposed changes.”

He said the new uniform was the most popular choice among current and prospective parents.

“We feel it is important that we introduce a standard style amongst all children. Currently there is a variety of styles and colours, many of which are inappropriate for school.

“I am aware of the concerns and will consult with the governing body.”

The new uniform, which is being introduced for all 550 pupils, includes monogrammed polo shirts at £6 each, a £12.50 fleece or £8 sweater, and £15 skirt for girls.

Trousers will have to be replaced, as the required colour has gone from blue or black to grey, as well as the PE kit.

Previously parents needed only to buy a tie and logo PE shirt costing around £10 – allowing them to shop around for the rest. They will now have to spend at least around £30 in the school shop.