An Isle of Wight school has come under fire from parents for the "degrading and misjudged" handling of its skirt uniform policy.

Ryde Academy insists it has been "very clear" about uniform expectations and parents were aware throughout the summer.

Year 11 and Year 7 pupils were welcomed back for the new term on Wednesday, September 4.

One parent said, as Year 11s walked in to the building they were "siphoned off" and around 70 students wearing skirts, got put in the hall for two hours.

It's claimed they were lined up and had the length of their skirts "judged", with some students sent home if skirts were too short.

A parent said the school requires female students to wear knee-length pleated skirts but it's difficult to find ones that fit round the waist and are long enough.

"If you are taller, you can't find a skirt", she said.

"We bought the right skirts but it is a policy you can't comply with because you can't get one that long.

"So basically they were being judged on their body shape and size and it's kind of pointing out to them you don't fit into the clothes you can buy in the shops and that's not what teenage girls need."

Agreeing standards had slipped, the parent said she supported the new policy but said the way it was handled "sends the wrong message and is degrading".

The County Press understands students were also pulled aside for having PE tops "too tight" and for having crew neck jumpers, not V necks.

A spokesperson for Ryde Academy said: "We‘ve been very clear about expectations on uniform and have shared these with families multiple times over the summer term, including through newsletters, video explainers and parent drop-in sessions.

"Our policy on jumpers is unchanged and we expect our students to turn up every day in the right uniform."

Changes have also seen students given pouches to put their mobile phones in. 

Each pouch stays with the pupil but has a lock on, meaning they cannot access the phone until the end of the day.

Ryde Academy said schools right across the country have introduced the same approach towards mobile phones.

The spokesperson said: "We want students to be able to focus on learning and having fun with friends without the distraction of smartphones and constant notifications that come with them.

"It’s been a hugely positive start to the new year and we look forward to seeing our wonderful community go from strength to strength.”

The Isle of Wight Council said uniform policy is for each individual school to decide, as per government guidance.