Oh dear, we have a spat in the education system at Cheney School in Oxford, The wrong trousers (Oxford Mail, February 2).

A school with a uniform has pupils rebelling against it.

The headteacher wants to maintain the uniformity and has pointed out that it is not a matter of cost, as her research has shown that the school trousers usually cost less than the denim alternative.

Parents of the rebels have made various comments. One, a city councillor, is quoted as saying: "Learning is more important." The headteacher's point proved already.

Is disobeying a rule "a trivial issue"? (another quote).

Another lesson being passed on by Jolie Kirby, the headteacher, is that rules are there to be obeyed and complied with, a lesson which sadly many in positions of power evade and duck from confrontation, thereby showing weak stewardship.

The parents should stop and reappraise the situation and hopefully when common sense sets in, support Mrs Kirby and ensure that their children learn the three Rs and the equally important one of obeying what, in some small way, is a law.

Be thankful you have a headteacher who is prepared to make a stand and, as long as the school teaching policies are right, you do not have an argument.

Uniform has been good enough for Cheney for many years.

Why should it change to pander to the tantrums of those who are not yet even at a stage of their life where they are making a contribution?

When they leave school, hopefully with the qualifications they need, if they still feel as strongly about such things, they can democratically set out to change the world.

There are all sorts of openings - school governors, members of parliament or even city councillors.

CHRIS PAYNE George Street Bicester