News of the proposed introduction of a sixth form uniform at Chepstow High School from next term has come as a bombshell to Year 11 students and their parents.

One student, who asked not to be named, has written to the school’s new headteacher Matthew Sims outlining his objections - and says all his friends share his views.

His main argument is that students and parents were only made aware of the proposed new rule after applications for next year’s sixth form had closed.

"Nothing was mentioned at a students and parents sixth form induction evening earlier this year. We only heard about it via a parent email sent out this month, which said at the end that the sixth form would be expected to wear a uniform next year, subject to consultation," he said.

He said he would ’reluctantly’ join the sixth form at Chepstow because it was his local school - although he had now also applied to two colleges outside the area.

"The lower school look forward to the time when they don’t have to wear a uniform," he said.

"As a compromise I suppose a polo shirt and trousers would be OK. My main objection is that it’s all very last-minute and totally unexpected.

"Surely it would make more sense to delay introducing it for another year, so that everyone applying would know what was expected?"

Assistant headteacher and sixth form head Emma Mellen said the idea was for a sixth form ’dress code’ - of black tailored trousers, black skirt, white shirt - something ’more uniform’ rather than a school uniform and that Monmouthshire was the only school in the county without one.

She said the school’s new headteacher thought it was important to be able to differentiate between staff and students and also saw it as a safeguarding issue in relation to people visiting the school.

She said she was aware some students were upset about not being consulted but it hadn’t been possible to get them all together during the exam period.

She had spoken informally to a number of Yr 11 students and there would be a proper consultation in July during transition to the sixth form before any final decision was taken

"I was actually expecting that the strongest objections would come from Yr 12s moving up to Yr 13 but some I’ve spoken to think that more formal wear would make them feel more mature and better role models," she said.

A female student in Yr 11 told the Beacon: "I don’t mind if they crack down on sixth formers wearing jeans and joggers because I appreciate that looks scruffy when visitors come in.

"My main objection is that we only heard about the idea via an email and some people didn’t receive that and only heard on the grapevine.

"Most of our parents agree with us because it’s all been so spur of the moment and they’re also worried about the extra cost that might be involved."

She pointed out that many Yr 11 students would not be attending the sixth form induction in July, when there would be a chance to put forward their objections, because they would be taking part in a Duke of Edinburgh expedition.

"Personally I don’t want a uniform at all. I’ve been looking forward to being able to wear my own stuff since Yr 7!

"The style of dress has been described to us as ’office wear’ - which seems odd to me because it’s a college not an office.

"I’ve thought about applying to Wyedean College instead, but Chepstow is what I know and I’d really prefer to stay on."

Both students reject the suggestion that it’s needed for ’safeguarding’ reasons.