PARENTS have reacted in their droves to a Wirral school that told its pupils they'll only be allowed to wear specific branded coats – with the majority appearing to back the policy.

Woodchurch High School said the rule will come in from September and it's in a bid to stop "poverty shaming" among pupils.

It's divided opinion among parents and readers, however the majority appear to back the Birkenhead school’s new rule, which stipulates the coats can only be bought from Design and Stitch Schoolwear in Moreton.

Sue Woodward was one of hundreds to comment on the story, and voiced her support for Woodchurch's idea.

She said: "I went to school before school uniforms were introduced, a long time ago. What I always remember was some kids coming to school in party dresses, as a child I always felt a little out of place, and I realised then, that some mums have less than others.

"That never bothered me growing up, but I was always glad my kids had uniforms, so I think it’s a great idea. [It] saves the worry for some parents trying to keep up with all the demands on them these days."

Emma Wycherley agreed, writing on Facebook: "My twins start there in September, and I think it’s a brilliant idea.

"Already in their primary school, they have kids who boast about their ‘wealth’ and kids whose parents struggle.

"As a mum of twins, it can be expensive just to sort the basics.

"I've already been and got the coats and they'll grow into them so hopefully [we'll get] two years out of them.

"I'm very happy that it's not going to be a competition of 'have' and 'have nots' and everyone else I've spoken to who goes there already are [happy] too."

Katy Pereira added on Facebook that she hoped schools across the country will follow Woodchurch’s example.

She said: "I love [the] idea. I don't see [the] point in spending a lot of money in a jacket be honest.

"I think some parents need to think what example they [are] giving to their kids. I try [to] teach my kids value of money. For me, that's really important for when they’re older.

"They know life is not cheap and wasting money on clothes cost [a] fortune when they’re made in cheap countries and they’re selling 100 times more [than it] cost them to produce. I hope all UK schools do this."

Robbie Davies said: "Fair play Woodchurch! My daughter goes here in September and it's encouraging that she's going to a school who pioneer such initiatives without fear of backlash. Other schools will follow, just watch."

Ta Sha added: "Excellent idea. School has become a place to show off and [it] puts so much pressure on parents and kids to keep up with the Jones’."

The designs available – both unisex – are a 'puffer-style' jacket, with the other a 'Regatta'-style, featuring a fleece layer inside.

Introducing the new policy, headteacher at the Carr Bridge Road secondary school, Rebekah Phillips, said staff had consulted with pupils before settling on the two designs. It's all as part of the school's "poverty-proofing agenda" and that the coats have been made as “simple and affordable as possible”.

There were those, however, who were not so impressed by the new policy.

Kylie Wade said the school had "missed the mark".

She said on Facebook: "Ending poverty shaming is a great goal. But, by forcing skint families to pay out for a 'just for school' coat in addition to their normal one? From a shop that people using that school would have to drive or pay public transport to access? Feels like they've missed the mark with this.”

Tracey Amanda Hird agreed, writing: "It's one of them ideas that sounds great in theory but has clearly been thought up by someone who has never actually experienced poverty.

"At my son's school and other schools in the area, they give you the first year’s uniform (or at my sons school just the blazer) for free. That is something that actually helps."

Sarah Jane Atherton said the school had gone "too far".

She wrote: "My older kids went to this school and my son was in his last year when [it] introduced the rule of everyone having the same bag. Fair enough.

"[But] she's gone too far with this. Uniform and bag but telling kids and teenagers there’s only two types of coats allowed is a bit much.

"What happened to allowing our kids to have and encourage individuality?

"My youngest will be picking his high school soon and after reading this I don't think I want him going to Woodchurch even if it is on the doorstep."

Ama Atho said: "Some families can't afford £20-£25 per coat for their children. The idea of poverty proofing is great, but to then dictate exactly what cost and the price point goes against their principle!"