Branded school bag row at Brockhill Park Performing Arts College, Hythe, Kent

A row has broken out over a “harebrained” idea to introduce a branded bag as part of school uniform.

Sonette Schwartz, principal of Brockhill Park Performing Arts College, wrote to parents this week saying the school, in Saltwood, near Hythe, is “considering adding a school bag” to its uniform.

It has prompted uproar among parents and pupils, with a petition launched online against the proposals, which have been described as “madness” and “ridiculous”. A consultation is set to be launched by the school to hear views from parents and pupils following the announcement.

The online petition, titled Make ‘Brockhill Bags’ Free For All Or Don’t Make Them has so far gathered 375 signatures from those opposing the idea.

It has been set up by a current pupil at the school, and its founder, who wishes to remain anonymous, wrote: “I am furious at this decision as it will provoke bullying and discrimination towards the academies within the school and when out and about.

“This petition will hopefully, when presented, change the minds of our head teacher and put a stop to this madness.”

The petition also refers to the introduction of blazers becoming compulsory and criticised the move for being “a major expense”.

It refers to the “similar experience” parents and pupils now face over the “Brockhill Bags”.

Mrs Schwartz said the cost of the bag would be “about £12” and that they were “voluntary” until after the consultation had concluded, vowing “all views will be taken into consideration”.

She wrote: “We are considering adding a school bag to the school uniform, and to this effect will now launch a consultation with students and parents. We do not wish to add to costs for families and have therefore sourced a bag to the cost of about £12.”

Mrs Schwartz has been approached to comment on the proposals.

To view the petition click here