An academy in Weymouth will be changing to an online uniform supplier from September - a decision which has caused controversy amongst school parents and its former provider. 

Dorset Schoolwear, located on Caroline Place in Weymouth, announced on social media that a new online supplier has been appointed to provide uniform for Wey Valley Academy.

A statement on the business’s public Facebook page said they had been cut off “with immediate effect” and would be replaced by an exclusive supplier.

Mother of seven, Tammy Homer from Weymouth, has two children who attend Wey Valley Academy in years 9 and 10 and voices her frustration that parents weren’t consulted over this decision.

She said: “I feel that the school are not taking the parents' feelings on this seriously as they never actually consulted us on this change at any stage of the process.

“Putting the uniform online is also going to cause issues for the Dorset Schoolwear shop as it's taking away customers and will inevitably be another empty shop on our high street.

Mrs Homer also expressed concerns about extra delivery charges accompanying the transition to an online supplier as well as the added inconvenience of having to try on and exchange online instead of in the shop.  

“It's taking away the opportunity for us parents to get their children to try on uniform and exchange with ease at source instead of the hassle that is exchanging items online.”

Other parents shared their concerns in the comments of Dorset Schoolwear's Facebook post with one user saying they're "not happy". Dorset Echo:

A spokesperson from Ambitions Academies Trust, on behalf of Wey Valley Academy, said the academy sent letters to parents and carers informing them of the supplier change and they would not be required to purchase an entirely new uniform as “like-for-like” replacements for current items have been sought.

The spokesperson added: “Many of the same items in fact will be available for a lower price from the new supplier following this change. Students will be able to try on samples of the new uniform items at school once they have been manufactured and are available.

"There may be shortages of some items (e.g. blazers) during this transitional period and we have thanked our families for their patience until the new uniform items become available."

Dorset Schoolwear have claimed that this was a breach of contract between the business and the academy. 

Dorset Echo:

The Dorset Echo has approached Dorset Schoolwear for comment. 

In response to the business' accusations, the Ambitions Academies Trust said: "The Trust is not able to comment on commercially sensitive information about any contract disputes with suppliers and is disappointed that allegations by Dorset Schoolwear have been put into the public domain.

“The Trust recently offered to purchase all available surplus stock from Dorset Schoolwear as a gesture of goodwill and to aid the transition to the new supplier.

"We are confident that this change will better meet the needs of our students and their families, providing quality uniform items at affordable prices with good availability of stock throughout the year."