Parents of students at Bristol Free School in Southmead have voiced strong frustration after numerous pupils were denied entry for wearing PE kits amid the recent heatwave. The school’s rigid uniform policy led to over half of some classes being absent on Thursday, according to parent reports.
Despite a recent email from the school indicating that ties would be optional, many students arrived in polo shirts and shorts—approved PE kit components—but were still refused access. One anonymous parent described the school’s stance as “ridiculous” and criticized its inflexibility during extreme heat.
Concerns have been brewing for months over the strict dress code, with both parents and students petitioning for a more adaptable uniform policy. Last year’s review resulted in no changes, leaving issues such as gender-specific rules in place—boys must wear trousers, whereas girls can choose skirts or trousers. This has intensified discomfort during hot weather, especially for boys.
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Critics argue the policy prioritizes the school’s image over student wellbeing. The uniform requires a blazer with the school badge, a pale blue shirt, a tie, and charcoal trousers or skirts, though blazers are optional during summer. According to the school’s website, uniform relaxation may occur in extreme heat, but this was not enacted during the current heatwave.
In a July meeting, Chair of Governors Anne-Marie Boyle stated that the existing provision allows for PE kit wear during hot weather at the headteacher’s discretion, emphasizing that it incurs no extra cost to families. However, during the latest heatwave, with temperatures hitting 30°C and the UK Health Security Agency issuing an amber extreme heat alert, the school held firm on its traditional uniform rules.
After dozens of pupils were turned away, the school emailed parents reiterating that the uniform policy would not change at present. They encouraged students to avoid jumpers and coats, bring water bottles, wear sunscreen, and use wide-brimmed hats during lunchtime.
A subsequent email made the school tie optional on June 20 but maintained the requirement for shirts and trousers. The communication warned parents that incorrect uniforms could result in students being sent home.
Parents remain baffled by the school’s threshold for adjusting uniform rules despite official heat warnings. One parent pointed out that many children keep jumpers on in the heat to conceal sweat stains that are prominent on the pale blue shirts, compounding their discomfort.
A particularly distressing case involved a student turned away after wearing PE kit during the heatwave, which her mother allowed due to the amber warning. The school later recorded her absence as unauthorized because the family had not reported it, even though the refusal to allow entry caused her absence.
Despite these challenges, many parents continue to praise the school’s academic standards, lamenting that this strict uniform enforcement tarnishes an otherwise positive experience.