Parents and relatives of pupils at Barnwood Park School in Gloucester have expressed strong frustration after students reportedly showed signs of dehydration during the recent heatwave. Despite pleas from families to ease the school’s uniform rules by allowing pupils to wear their PE kits, the school maintained its strict dress code.
While many Gloucestershire schools adapted to the soaring temperatures by permitting students to attend in more comfortable PE attire, Barnwood Park School, located on St Lawrence Road and part of the Greenshaw Learning Trust, kept to its usual uniform policy. This included boys needing to wear blazers and trousers, which parents say contributed to the pupils’ discomfort.
In response to concerns, Barnwood Park School sent an email urging parents to ensure their children bring water bottles to school. The message highlighted reports of students exhibiting dehydration signs and emphasized the importance of drinking plenty of fluids to prevent further health issues.
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The email from the First Aid Team stated:
“Good Afternoon,
Please can we remind all students that they need to bring a water bottle in from home, especially whilst we are currently going through a heat wave. Many of the students are suffering from signs of dehydration which can be stopped by drinking plenty of fluid.
Many thanks,
The First Aid Team.”
A family member of a student expressed their disappointment, noting that:
“Most schools in Gloucestershire have allowed students to wear their PE kits during the hot weather. At Barnwood Park, boys are still required to wear blazers and trousers, which has made it difficult for them to stay comfortable. Girls can wear skirts, but the boys struggle the most.”
Parents have reportedly made repeated requests to the school to revise the uniform policy during extreme heat, but their concerns have been ignored. The outcome has led to several students staying home because they cannot cope with the heat while wearing full uniform.
The Greenshaw Learning Trust, which oversees Barnwood Park School, declined to comment and directed concerned parents and carers to approach the school directly.