Pupils at a Telford school have kicked off the academic year with a new uniform, a new principal and a new name – Abraham Darby Academy.

The academy, which opened yesterday, replaces Abraham Darby School, in Madeley, and becomes the latest Shropshire school to relaunch as one of the Government’s flagship academies. Steve Hawke, principal of the new academy, said today: “These are exciting times.

“We have the opportunity to create a world cla- ss educational experience for the young people of Madeley and Ironbridge that will provide a legacy for generations to come.

“There has been a real buzz in the academy today among students and staff alike – a feeling of optimism and a confidence about the future.”More than 750 pupils aged 11 to 16 have had their new school uniform provided free. But the youngsters have been told they must earn their snazzy new threads, which have been funded by the school, by sticking to a strict new dress code with a number of items banned as part of an attempt to raise standards.

Hoodies, unkempt hairstyles, jewellery, baseball caps, piercings, suede shoes, trainers, boots and denim will all be banned.

School ties must show five stripes, top buttons must be done up, and trainers cannot be worn on pupils’ journeys to and from school, the new code states.

Free PE kit consisting of tracksuit, vest, white polo shirt, maroon sports shirt, black shorts and white socks has also been dished out to pupils.

The uniform is the same as that worn by pupils at Adams’ Grammar School, Newport. The schools have forged closer ties and both are backed by the Haberdashers’ Adams’ Federation.

Abraham Darby Academy is sponsored by Telford & Wrekin Council and the Haberdashers’ Livery Company.

The transformation has been funded by academy start-up grants from the Department for Children, Schools and Families. Plans are afoot to open a sixth form centre within the academy along with a primary school and leisure complex.