A SCHOOL which banned youngsters from wearing winter coats wants to sell waterproof jackets to the pupils who staged a protest strike.

David Curry, acting head of Bishop Heber High in Malpas, is enforcing a policy of wearing only school-approved fleeces.

Now he is accused of wanting to make a profit for the school by selling waterproof jackets to wear over the fleeces.

Two weeks ago, angry students at the top secondary refused to attend afternoon classes following the introduction of a strict uniform policy.

Scores of students went on strike and refused to return to lessons claiming the new ruling, which allows them to wear only £19.50 regulation school fleeces, is a money-making ploy.

Students argued their own winter coats were sufficient and say the fleeces are not waterproof.

Now, Mr Curry is planning to sell waterproof coats to students at £7 each.

Mr Curry unveiled one of the coats last Wednesday at a meeting of the school's parent teacher association (PTA).

He brought one of the cagoule-style coats to the meeting and told how the garments will help to keep his pupils dry if they get wet wearing their fleeces.

However, Mr Curry could now find himself engulfed in criticism from parents who may not be able to afford the extra expense.

A row escalated this week after PTA member and Heber parent Charles Higgie handed in his resignation after hearing of the school's new plans.

Although he supports the introduction of a new school coat he disagreed after being urged to keep the school's plans secret.

Mr Higgie, of Oathills, Malpas, said: 'There are a number of people who feel the ban is inhumane. I support the introduction of a school coat but the PTA wanted me to keep the plans quiet. I found myself in a majority of one and chose to resign.'

Heber governors have not yet been consulted on the plans and school councils at the high school will be given chance to comment.

Ian Callister, a spokesman for Cheshire County Council, said: 'This is an ancillary garment which is worn with the fleece. The school's clothing company (Trutex) told the school about this a year ago.

'The school got the first sample of this coat at last week's PTA meeting. It is an optional extra to the fleece available next year.

'The school council will be given the option to choose the colour of the garment and design. This garment is optional and pupils can wear them if they wish.'

Last week, PTA chairman Janet Howarth challenged the school's policy, saying pupils should be allowed to wear their coats during break or lunchtime if they are cold.

Like most of the 120 pupils who took part in the protest, Mrs Howarth is concerned the new fleeces are not waterproof.

Mr Curry says pupils have not been allowed to wear coats in school for years, but admits the ban has not been enforced in the past.

'It's right to have a uniform policy but I have doubts,' said Mrs Howarth, whose son and daughter attend the Heber.

'The school is such a large site and there are a lot of pupils on the move across the school site in-between lessons.

'I believe children should be allowed to wear their coats during break or lunchtime if they are cold, but not inside the school.'

Despite the strike, Mr Curry says the school will not change its policy which, he says, came about as a result of a parental survey.

He says the majority wished to see the traditional blazer replaced with a fleece, a move which he says was supported by 80% of pupils. He says students can wear an undergarment if they wish, underneath a polo shirt, jumper, blazer or fleece.