A SINGLE mother is infuriated with her daughter’s school after its decision to introduce tartan skirts.

Rachel Slater claims the new piece of uniform is unaffordable, costing four times more than a standard skirt.

Ms Slater said the extra expense meant she could not buy big presents for her daughter’s birthday next month.

The mother, a part-time home carer, added that their yearly summer holiday was cancelled because of the unforeseen cost.

“I’m a working single parent, it’s a lot of money and times are hard enough at the moment. I feel inadequate as a parent,” she said.

“My 12-year-old son asked me ‘Why do we need tartan, we’re not Scottish?’ I’m asking the same question.

“I have to buy two skirts for £43 in case I have to wash one of them and she needs the other one to wear."

Ms Slater said Bredon Hill Middle School should offer alternatives to the £21.50 skirt, which is being introduced in September.

Poppy Slater, nine, will start at the school in September and the cost of her sports kit and uniform could be as high as £200.

Ms Slater, from Kinsham, Tewkesbury, said the school offered her £30 but that this was not enough.

Phil Sagar, the school’s chair of directors, said: “We have had overwhelming support for the new uniform from many parents.

“As with all issues concerning our school, we have a policy and a process for investigating concerns and we always aim to work with parents to find acceptable solutions.”

Steven Charlton, the school’s headteacher, said the tartan skirt could also be bought from Trutex Direct or Amazon.

Mr Charlton said female pupils were allowed to wear navy trousers as an alternative.