A STRUGGLING Croydon school has banned fizzy drinks and Ugg boots in a bid to boost standards.
Wearing a coat indoors and using a mobile phone have also been outlawed by Addington High, in a raft of tough new measures brought in to improve behaviour.
Acting head James Malley, who has taken over from Tim Davies, set the rules in a letter to parents before half term.
Describing his "pledge" to ensure students behave so they can learn, Mr Malley added: "My team will deal with those students who do not respond to the clear guidance we provide for them."
The ban extends to hoodies, baseball caps and jumpers in any colour other than black, which will be confiscated at the start of the school day.
Students with incorrect uniform will be offered three stark choices: borrow the correct items, go home and change, or spend the day in isolation.
Mr Malley added: "At the time of the Ofsted inspection in July, behaviour at the school was rated inadequate. It is my pledge to improve behaviour at Addington so learning can flourish."
The school is preparing to open as an academy in April, sponsored by Bromley school Ravens Wood.
Parents have also been banned from calling their children during the school day, being told messages will be passed through reception.
"We will not allow students to use their mobile phones for any reason," Mr Malley added.
One student branded some of the rules "stupid" – but said they seemed to be having the desired effect.
The 15-year-old, who is in Year 10, said: "Taking the coats off, I find it stupid especially when it is snowing and they are still telling you to do it.
"The fizzy drinks, they said they have done it because it makes people hyper: there is a canteen with orange juice and water at break and lunch time.
"We have to walk to the left hand side of the corridor and stand up when the teacher comes in. If you don't the teacher stops you and makes you go back and do it again. Everyone was really moaning about it at first, but there has been an improvement in the school and people are actually learning as well."
Mother Simone Johnston, meanwhile, said the measures were overdue.
She said: "I have no issue with the new rules at all; they have been a long time coming and should have been implemented years ago. Maybe then the school wouldn't have the reputation it does.
"In fact, I can honestly say I support the school's new rules."
Mr Malley did not respond to a request for comment, but executive head teacher John Hernandez previously told the Advertiser of his belief that uniform could help set students' expectations.
