A secondary school has issued an apology after a pupil who turned up to school wearing shorts was sent home.

Bushey Meads says it was a “mistake” to tell the student to leave just 20 minutes after arriving at school – adding pupils will be allowed to wear shorts during the heatwave.

The boy’s parent contacted the Watford Observer this morning saying it was a “disgrace” that her child had been sent home.

She said a member of staff told her son he had to change into trousers or leave.

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In a complaint to the school, his mother said: “I feel forcing the boys to wear long trousers is inappropriate and bordering on dangerous in the temperatures we are currently experiencing.”

The parent said her son had asked the school last week if the uniform policy could be changed, in light of the extreme heat warning, so that students could wear “smart tailored black shorts”.

She says he did not receive a response so decided to wear the type of shorts he had requested the school give permission to wear.

The mother continued: “I fully support his decision to wear shorts as I feel it is discrimination against the boys to make them wear long trousers when the girls can wear short skirts.”

She added: “I believe many secondary schools around the area are wearing P.E. kits or closing entirely. It is a disgrace that Bushey Meads does not show the same care and consideration for their pupils.”

Parents on a Bushey Meads Facebook group also complained about uniform requirements during the heatwave.

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The Watford Observer contacted Bushey Meads head teacher Jeremy Turner for a response to the criticism.

He replied to say it was a “genuine mistake” to send the pupil home and an apology has now been made.

He confirmed pupils will be allowed to wear smart shorts tomorrow but claimed the P.E. tops at Bushey Meads are “hotter to wear” than the usual shirts or blouses.

Mr Turner added pupils have the option of leaving school at 1.20pm because of the weather.

Hertfordshire County Council says it has shared advice from the Department for Education with head teachers about how to keep children safe at school during the heat.

The council added decisions on uniforms and whether to open is a matter for individual schools to decide.