A SCHOOL has started sending girls home for wearing “indecently short” skirts – as part of a move to drive up standards of discipline.

Some parents with children at Cecil Jones Business and Enterprise College, are angry at the move, claiming they can’t afford new clothes in the middle of a school year.

Inspectors finally ruled the school, in Eastern Avenue, was no longer failing in February, a year after a new headteacher took over and brought in a tough new disciplinary code.

Since Easter, the rules were further tightened, with pupils being turned away at the gates if their skirts fail to reach their knees.

Strict enforcement of its uniform code has left some GCSE students worried they will fall behind with their studies.

Bethany Large, 16, has twice fallen foul of the new policy this week, Her mum, single parent Lisa Large, 38, said: “After being sent home the first time, she wore a longer skirt, but she was still sent home again.

“This is fairly deprived area and a lot of people can’t afford to buy new skirts.

“I agree there should be rules on uniform, but this is going too far. It could damage her education. She just wants to get on in life.”

Bethany was one of about 20 girls sent home on Monday.

Speaking yesterday she said: “Me and a group of 12 friends were all turned away at the gates. My skirt was only about four inches above my knee on Monday and two inches above today, but they still wouldn’t let me in.

“I’m getting really worried about my exams, as we can’t afford a new skirt.”

Headteacher Pauline Harris took over in January 2010 and immediately brought in strict new, rules, including a ban on mobile phones in classrooms.

She said: “A growing number of girls were wearing ridiculously-short skirts, to the extreme. Other parents had noticed.

“Having consulted parents, staff and all concerned, it was decided such short skirts give a negative impression of the school.

“We sent out a letter before Easter to say we expected high standards and if skirts were too short, or blazers not worn, students would be sent home.

“The vast majority came to school properly attired. We had to send some home on Monday and a smaller number yesterday.

“I have been very pleased with the support we have had from parents.”

Lesley Woolley, whose daughter, Briony, 14, is also a pupil, is right behind the new policy.

She said: “I absolutely agree.

“My daughter tries it on, but as far as I am concerned, there should be no compromise.

“Some of the skirts were indecent – and not even proper skirts, but these lycra-type skirts. They are advertising the school and wearing school blazers with skirts that look like belts.

“It’s not acceptable.”

Cecil Jones is not the only Southend school to enforce strict uniform rules.

Last year, Eastwood Academy headteacher Neil Houchen banned skirts, completely, forcing all pupils to wear trousers, so disputes about hemlines would not arise.

Cecil Jones considered such a ban, but decided against it, after consulting students and parents.