Readers have been sharing their varied views on a story about a Huntingdon secondary school student being removed from lessons for wearing white trainer socks.  

The Hunts Post published an article after the parent of a St Peter’s School student felt “it was utterly ridiculous” her child missed out on learning because her socks didn’t conform to the uniform requirements.  

A “uniform expectations” document on the school’s website states that dark/black socks should be worn – but Parent A claims they only became aware of the rule when the issue was raised with their child.  

And since the story was published on Friday lunchtime (October 18), it quickly became one of the most widely-debated topics on The Hunts Post Facebook page this year with more than 200 comments.  

The most supported opinions were from readers who felt the school uniform has to be adhered to and enforced.  

Another response questioned whether the colour of a child’s socks would have had an impact on their learning.  

It was also pointed out that students with special educational needs can struggle with very specific uniform requirements.  

The most popular response so far says: “Same thing every year.  

“Parents running to the papers with a sob story because they don’t feel the rules apply to them. Just wear the correct uniform and stop moaning.” 

The St Peter's School Huntingdon student was wearing white trainer socks under trousers when the issue was raised. The St Peter's School Huntingdon student was wearing white trainer socks under trousers when the issue was raised. (Image: Submitted) Another added: “If someone can't keep to the simple expectation of 'dark socks' then lord only knows how they cope with the large expectations in life.  

“It is a simple requirement and any respectable company has a dress code so it's not like it's unusual.  

“Good on the school for enforcing the rules rather than them being just another set of words that people can break when deemed fit.” 

They added: “Logo uniform prices are ridiculous and this is something that should be considered but in regards to wearing dark socks as opposed to light ones?  

“Well if you can afford light ones then you can afford dark ones.” 

Parent A said one of the points put to them during a heated exchange with the school was that wearing the incorrect socks is “distracting and detrimental” to the students’ learning.  

The child was offered a pair of black socks to wear – but they declined and their parents decided to remove them from school for the day.  

Someone, who commented with a different perspective. said: “Who is disrupting the lesson? 

“The teacher who is pulling the child out in front of everyone or the child who is wearing white socks?” 

Another added: “I agree it's totally ridiculous, the uniform is extortionate pricing and the colour of socks doesn't impact their learning.  

“The school should be focusing more on the things like bullying.”   

A statement the school released in relation to the original story 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.”