A PARENT has hit out at a college for making her son wear uniform when other students in courses don't have to.

Lisa Meade from Bracknell has officially complained to Activate Learning's Bracknell and Wokingham College after her 17-year-old son was ordered to purchase uniform for his sports course.

The boy's mum hasn't bought his uniform yet because she cannot justify paying over £200 and feels it is 'not fair to make some students wear uniform and others not'.

She said: "Life is pretty laid back in his world, however he was stressed as it is being forced on him and this was new news on his return to college this week.

"It is such a badly thought out idea and I am extremely disappointed in their decision."

Lisa made a complaint to the college after she wasn't told prior to the start of term that students needed to buy a uniform.

She added: "When children move from school to college, there is generally a huge leap in their mind about dropping the need for a uniform. It is a growing up experience.

"There has been zero communication prior to starting this week and the whole thing stinks of a money making machine. I am so disappointed they have chosen this route for students."

Sports students have to purchase a college branded hoody, t-shirts, trousers and a pair of shorts.

A spokesman for the college, said: "“We encourage and develop high professional standards in all our students and our sports learners wear clothing that reflect these professional values. Professional clothing helps prepare students for their work placements and for when they move on to a successful sports career.

“Additionally, a dress code fosters a sense of belonging and motivates students to work together on shared goals, as they will be expected to do once they enter the workforce.

Bracknell News:

“In the case of sports, we ask that students have a minimum of two items from the wider clothing range. Where additional financial support is needed, our student finance team work with students on options such as bursaries to ensure that all learners have the clothing they need for their course.”

The parent has however noted that pupils who chose not to wear a uniform are punished by being placed on a report.