Parent A claims they only became aware that St Peter’s School students should wear dark or black socks when a uniform issue was raised with their child. 

And during a heated exchange with school staff, the parent says they were told wearing incorrect socks “is distracting and detrimental” to students learning.  

Parent A, whose identity we are protecting for their child, said: “My child phoned me at school one morning really upset because they were being pulled out of lessons for wearing white trainer socks. You couldn’t even see them under their trousers.   

“It is utterly ridiculous. They were going to be sent to a room with other students in trouble over uniform violations – and I said that's not going to happen. My child is not missing out on their learning over a pair of white socks.  

The St Peter's School Huntingdon student was wearing white trainer socks under trousers when the uniform states dark or black socks should be worn. (Image: Submitted) “We went into the school to address this and we did end up having an argument. One of the school’s points was that pupils wearing the wrong socks is distracting and detrimental not only to our child’s learning, but also everyone’s learning.  

“I asked if they have ever had a student come out of a lesson and say they couldn’t do their work because they were distracted by that person’s white socks and the uniform is black socks. The staff couldn’t answer my question. 

“Our child was offered a pair of black socks during the incident, but we ended up taking them out of school for the rest of the day. If they were not going to be in lessons they may as well be at home.” 

• Recommended Reading: Conservative County Councillors call for winter fuel awareness campaign
• Recommended Reading: Flood-prone bridge could reopen within 'weeks rather than months'

A “uniform expectations” document available on the website of St Peter’s School states that dark/black socks should be worn. 

While The Cam Academy Trust says the rule “has been in place a number of years”, Parent A says during the incident on September 30 they were told the change was only introduced at the start of term. The parent added they had not received any communication about it.  

The Hunts Post also asked a school spokesperson repeatedly if the child was to be removed from lessons because of the socks, or their reaction to being told the socks were the wrong colour. There was no response to our request for clarification.  

In a statement, the spokesperson said: “St Peter's School values high standards of uniform and believes that following these expectations creates a positive learning environment. 

“Students are expected to adhere to the school's uniform policy, which includes wearing black socks. This is not a new requirement and has been in place for several years.” 

He added: “If a student arrives at school wearing incorrect uniform, the situation is addressed on an individual basis to ensure the matter is resolved appropriately.  

“Our approach focuses on supporting students and families while maintaining consistent standards across the school community.”