A FUMING dad has slammed one the UK's "strictest" schools for forcing his daughter to wear shoes that gave her blisters.
Karl Bell's daughter, Katie, went to Grace College, in Gateshead, Newcastle, with the same Vivienne Westwood pumps she had worn last year.
But, to the 13-year-old's shock, she was made to squeeze into a smaller pair of Brogue-style shoes provided by the school instead.
Karl, 36, told The Sun: "The school told her she either needed to wear a pair of shoes that they would provide or else she'd be sent home.
"They decided to give her a pair of shoes but they made her feet sore.
"I made the point to send her into school the next day with the pair of trainers on but she was scared to wear them after how the school reacted.
"The school is very strict but I think it's too much.
"She ended up with blisters. I'm not happy about it because the teachers should be wearing the same type of shoes but I bet they don't."
The furious dad explained Katie is allowed to wear the temporary shoes until another pair are bought.
He added: "The school's shoes are hurting her but she's too scared to wear anything else in case she gets into more trouble.
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"I do have sympathy for the teachers because they'll just be following protocol but I think the whole thing is wrong."
'ONE OF THE STRICTEST'
Another pupil's grandmother was also outraged at Grace College's policy, forcing parents to fork out for new shoes amid a cost of living crisis.
The anonymous grandparent explained her granddaughter was distraught after being sent home on her first day back – simply for wearing plain black leather shoes.
"She was wearing the same shoes as she did last year," she said.
"They are just a plain back with leather on.
"She went in on Tuesday but got sent home and then the same on Wednesday and got sent home again."
She added: "We haven't been able to get her any new ones yet so she's had no choice but to wear the same pair.
"I picked her up and she was bewildered as to why the policy has changed.
"There were lots of others in the same boat, but if no one could pick them up they got put into isolation.
"I think that is ridiculous because they're in the school to be taught. They are definitely one of the strictest.
"My granddaughter's parents work long hours and haven't been able to buy her a new pair yet. You just think there'd be more sympathy."
Other shocked grandparents, Eric Bambrough and his wife, were about to buy some Vivienne Westwood pumps for their granddaughter.
But, the Year Seven pupil luckily let them know the brand was banned.
Eric, 64, said: "I don't think they should have sent the kids home.
"I think it's harsh for them to be sent home on the first day of home, it was very dramatic.
"I would have been very annoyed if that was my child or grandchild.
"They could have sent a letter home to warn them but they gave no leeway.
"Lots of children were starting their first day at secondary school but you wonder how they'll feel when they go back.
"I think they've got a damn cheek to do what they've done."
'WRONG SHADE OF BLACK'
While uniform rules have changed this year, one parent claimed to have battled with the school policy before.
Nurse Danny Robertson said: "I've had loads of problems with them before.
"I bought my son who's in Year 10 a new pair of black shoes but we were told we needed to change them because they were the wrong shade of black.
"They made him wear a different child's shoes which I thought was out of order.
"I didn't know there were many shades of black. But that night I took him to buy some new ones."
The 60-year-old claimed the strict rules have "obviously become worse" but he thinks there are more important things to worry about.
"The child's education is most important and it will knock their confidence if they're told off because of their shoes," he added.
SCHOOL SUPPORT
But, not all parents have opposed new school uniform changes and believe teachers are right to impose the rules.
They sided with Grace College, claiming parents and pupils had been given plenty of warning and time to buy new shoes.
NHS worker, Sharon Francis, has a daughter in Year Eight and said: "Parents have been told about what the children can and can't wear.
"I've seen pictures of some shoes and they're not even the right type.
"I think the school have done the right thing by giving parents a very clear picture of what should be worn.
"Kids don't need to wear shoes that cost hundreds of pounds to school."
The 51-year-old added: "I do think that sending them home was too harsh though.
"Maybe they could have notified parents that they needed to be changed before being dramatic."
This is not the first time Grace College has come under fire for it's strict uniform policy.
A mum recently claimed her daughter was sent home from her first day at secondary school because of her new shoes.
Melissa Pope, 37, blasted the college after her 11-year-old was put in isolation for her footwear.
A spokesperson for Grace College previously said: "Grace College is proud of its uniform for the professional image it portrays, and we expect students to wear it with pride.
"We aim for high standards at all times and wearing the correct uniform in the correct way is a significant and important starting point in setting and maintaining these standards.
"Our uniform policy is designed to be fair, equal and affordable to all students, which is especially important during a cost of living crisis.
"Our uniform is smart, practical and good value and clear guidance on it is provided to families prior to their children joining the college; the policy can also be found within three clicks on our website.
"All families are aware that school shoes should be plain black and polishable, and devoid of fashion logos.
"Our website offers guidance on eight different styles and we name recommended suppliers.
"This is to ensure consistency across the college, to ensure safety, to protect students from pressure to follow trends, to prevent bullying and to keep costs as low as possible."
They added: "Our policy is always to ask students to correct their uniform where they can.
"We have a small supply of uniform in college to support students to do this straightaway.
Has this happened to your child? Email [email protected]
"Where it is not possible to rectify a uniform issue, we always contact parents and seek to work with them to put things right.
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"We have had to do this with a number of students today."
Grace College have been contacted for comment.
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