East Riding's three most improved schools introduce new uniforms

PUPILS who are thinking smarter are looking smarter too.

The East Riding's three most- improved schools at GCSE level have all introduced new uniforms this term.

Headlands School in Bridlington, Hessle High School and Withernsea High School are giving pupils a smart start to the new academic year.

The new uniforms are considered to be an important factor behind the schools' continuing success.

At Headlands, where GCSE results are the most-improved of any maintained school in the East Riding, shirts and ties are back.

The move is associated with a more business-like approach to learning at the school, where 54 per cent achieved the GCSE gold standard this summer – an increase of 15 per cent.

Head teacher Scott Ratheram said: "We have had many positive comments from the local community, parents and students themselves, who feel it is much more professional and grown-up and they are displaying an even greater pride in attending Headlands School."

Parents have been commenting about the change on Headlands' website.

One parent said: "The drastic change in uniform seems to have made a significant difference to the students' attitude to their school.

"Shirts and ties are the way forward and students now have a more business-like approach to learning."

Different coloured ties represent each house at the school to boost the house team identity.

Pupil Stephanie Bayes, 15, who came up with the most popular tie design, said: "I am very pleased with the design of the ties as everyone is so smart."

The 1,200-pupil secondary is building on its success since coming out of special measures three years ago.

Mr Ratheram said: "The new uniform is part of that momentum.

"You try to get yourself on a trajectory.

"Our attendance went up by 1 per cent last year, which reflects students wanting to come to school and wanting to learn.

"Our intake has also gone up, from 175 to 191."

At Hessle High School – an academy that achieved the East Riding's most-improved GCSEs this summer – blazers have been introduced.

Head teacher Sarah Young said: "The change has been a contributing factor to the continuing success of Hessle High School and Sixth Form College."

At Hessle, 61 per cent of GCSE candidates achieve the gold standard of at least five A* to C grades, including English and maths, this summer – up by 20 per cent on last year.

Mrs Young said: "Students are wearing their blazers with pride and a commitment to the ethos of the school."

At Withernsea High School, sweaters and polo shirts have been replaced by blazers, white shirts and ties.

Head teacher Richard Williman said: "I have been delighted with the way our students have responded to the new uniform and the support we have had from parents and the community.

"The idea for this change came from the students following a survey last year and I am grateful to all those who have been involved in introducing this change."

The school is looking to build on GCSE results, which were dramatically improved this summer, with 53 per cent achieving the gold standard, up from 34 per cent last year.

Mr Williman said: "There is a real sense of pride and determination around the school and we are all working hard to build on our best-ever GCSE results and improve A-level outcomes."