**School Uniform Policy Comes Under Fire as 12-Year-Old Faints from Overheating**
A mother in Greater Manchester has called on her daughter’s school to reconsider its uniform requirements after the 12-year-old reportedly fainted from heat exhaustion. The incident, which took place at Denton Community Academy in Tameside, has raised questions about the flexibility of school dress codes during periods of unseasonably warm weather.
According to Debbi Kinder, her daughter was required to keep her blazer and tights on despite sweltering conditions. The school’s uniform guidelines, as described by Ms Kinder, do not allow girls to wear socks—even when temperatures rise. Her daughter, she says, began to feel unwell shortly after morning classes began.
Ms Kinder explained that over the course of four different lessons, her daughter repeatedly told teachers she was dizzy and asked for permission to remove her blazer. Each time, her request was refused, with staff reassuring her that she would be “fine”. Matters escalated when, during a transfer between lessons, the young pupil collapsed. Fortunately, a member of the school’s canteen staff was able to intervene and catch her.
Upon being notified, Ms Kinder rushed to the school, where she found her daughter being attended to at reception by a first aid worker. The girl was described as “extremely pale and barely able to stand”, and was supplied with an ice pack and a drink while she recovered. Ms Kinder has since withdrawn her daughter from classes on extremely hot days until the uniform policy is reviewed.
The incident has brought school uniform policies into focus, particularly around their suitability during heatwaves. In this case, girls are only allowed to wear tights or trousers, and removal of blazers appears to have been strongly discouraged, at least in some situations.
In response, the Northern Education Trust, which oversees Denton Community Academy, insists that students are allowed to take off their blazers while in classrooms. A spokesperson maintained that the school took decisive action at the time: “We are aware of an incident in which a student felt dizzy while in the lunch area and was quickly supported by staff. Appropriate first aid and reassurance were provided, and no further action was needed.”
The Trust also highlighted steps it says are put in place during periods of warm weather. These include providing access to shade, drinking water, and reviewing uniform expectations as conditions require. According to their policy, trousers are permitted as an alternative to skirts and tights, offering another clothing option for students.
Notably, this school—formerly Denton Community College and now operating under the Northern Education Trust since January—has recently undergone major changes. The Trust began working with the school after it was placed in Special Measures by Ofsted in late 2023. Since the transition, Denton Community Academy is reported to have achieved its best-ever exam results and is listed among the most-improved schools in England.
Despite these improvements, uniform policies continue to be a sticking point for some. While school authorities maintain they are open to dialogue, for many parents, the balance between discipline and comfort remains contentious. Ms Kinder, while grateful her daughter was ultimately safe, has voiced dissatisfaction that girls are still expected to wear tights or trousers even in extreme heat.
With Britain experiencing more frequent heatwaves, the debate over school uniform flexibility is likely to continue. Many educational institutions are being urged to adapt their dress codes to protect pupils’ health and wellbeing whilst still upholding standards and tradition.
As high temperatures become increasingly common, schools now face the challenge of finding practical solutions that accommodate both order and comfort. Parents like Ms Kinder hope their concerns will prompt constructive change, ensuring all students can learn in a safe and comfortable environment. The Northern Education Trust has reiterated its willingness to work with families to address such issues, encouraging concerned parties to engage directly with the school leadership.