The country’s largest school is to spend #163;100,000 providing pupils with uniforms.

Nottingham Academy, which caters for 3,500 pupils aged three to 19, has pledged the money after parents complained about rising costs. When the school opened last year, all pupils got free uniforms. But some parents were worried about affording a new set for children starting this September.

Nottingham Academy chief executive Barry Day has written to parents to allay fears, saying: “In September 2010, we are purchasing a full uniform for all new nursery pupils, all 90 pupils in reception, all 350 Year 7 pupils and a school pullover for all 300 Year 10 pupils.

“We are spending #163;100,000 on providing uniforms for as many pupils as possible. I don’t know many other schools that would do this. It is very unusual.” IB.