NEW UNIFORM for Sidmouth College students, described by its principal as much smarter , has been introduced by governors in response to comments by parents.

NEW UNIFORM for Sidmouth College students, described by its principal as "much smarter", has been introduced by governors in response to comments by parents.

The familiar blue uniform with the seagull logo was replaced at the start of this school year in September with black and grey, with white shirts, and new clip-on ties in the four house colours.

"It was in response to parents' comments that it went back to governors," said principal Jeremy Roberts.

With the college going through a period of change, with new teaching staff taken on this year, governors decided it was a good time to think again about the uniform, he said.

"A working group of governors discussed it with the School Council and invited parents to contact them as well and came up with what is a very original design."

The blazer's new logo, which combines the red, blue, yellow and green house colours, is of Sidmouth's cliffs.

Mr Roberts said: "Two students designed the logo which reflects the local community and is one which celebrates Sidmouth's tremendous heritage as part of the World Heritage Site with the cliffs and sea."

Clip-on ties were chosen for safety reasons. Students working with machinery in technology can work safely, knowing if there was a problem the tie would come off if it got caught, said Mr Roberts.

"They have been really successful, we don't have people wearing ties in different ways, so everyone looks smarter."

Parents who had difficulty in affording the new uniform were able to apply for a small grant towards the cost.

Students Ellen Drew, 12, and Taryck Turner, 13, from Years Eight and Nine, modelled the new uniform for our photograph and gave their verdict on it.

"At first I didn't like it, but now I really think it is smarter," said Taryck, who sports a blue tie for Grenville house.

Having only just been bought the blue uniform for her move to Sidmouth College last year, Ellen said: "My mum wasn't too happy to swap because she had to buy a set of uniform then and now two new sets because my younger sister is now in Year Seven.

"Everything has changed, including the PE kit.