SCHOOL pupils are sporting a new look.

Most people’s memories of their school days aren’t complete without moans and gripes about uniform, being told to tuck your shirt in and straighten your tie - but this is now a thing of the past at St Peter’s High School in Southminster Road, Burnham.

A new uniform has been introduced at the school and staff have been overwhelmed by the positive response it has received from youngsters.

The old uniform of black trousers, black blazer, white shirt and tie have been replaced with grey trousers, light blue shirts and a compulsory navy tank top, jumper or cardigan.

This is flanked by light blue piping and the new school logo.

Jackie Edwards, lower school secretary, and Laura O’Shaughnessy, deputy headteacher, were in charge of what changes should be brought in and what was wanted.

Mrs Edwards said it was initially planned to be brought in for the new year seven’s.

She said: “The rest of the school had until next September to take it on but we’ve had such a fantastic response that the old uniform has pretty much been replaced already.

“We opened during the summer holidays to sell it and there were ques going out the door - about 80 per cent of the school are now wearing it.

“They look so smart and comfortable. Uniform has always been a point of confrontation but that’s been taken away now and they look so much happier as they’re not getting told off for not wearing it correctly - it’s a good thing for staff and students.”

David Stephenson, headteacher, added: “We’ve been absoloutely astonished with the take up of it.

“It looks very different but we’ve had comments from parents and people on the street saying how nice they look.

“There’s been a real improvement and it’s reflected in their attitudes to learning and each other.”