Hundreds of pupils were sent home from just one school in a blitz over uniforms.

Around 200 children were turned away from Walkden High for failing to meet the tough dress code.

Teachers lined up children on the playground for an inspection before allowing them into lessons.

Headteacher Elaine Hilton said parents and children had received fair warning of the hard-line approach .

She said: “A letter outlining our approach to uniform concerns, together with a copy of the policy on standards of personal appearance and uniform, was posted to all parents.”

But one mum, whose 13-year-old girl was sent home, said: “My daughter wasn’t let in because of her shoes. They are plain black pumps with a tiny bit of a heel.

“Hundreds of children were being looked over and sent back home if they didn’t fit the bill. “There were kids were milling outside the gates and parents were fighting to get through to pick them up again. It was mayhem.”

In keeping with many schools, blazers and tie must be worn at all times and jewellery is banned.

In addition, children at the Salford school, which has 1,200 pupils, are ordered not have their ears pierced during the school term.

Mrs Hilton, who has been in charge the school for the last 11 years, said:

“The majority response from parents has been supportive and led to a swift resolution of most uniform concerns. 

“Walkden High remains committed to ensuring that students adopt the highest standards in all aspects of school life”

She said she believed the majority of those sent away would now stick to the ‘business-like’ dress requirements.

The clothing blitz comes as thousands of students returned from their summer break for the new academic year.

The Birch Road school was rated ‘good’ by Ofsted two years ago. Staff and pupils are next year set to move into a new school built on existing playing fields.