LONGHILL High students are now wearing a new-look uniform.

The new uniform was unveiled in a bid to smarten up the uniform at the school in Rottingdean, Brighton.

It features a navy blue blazer which sports the Longhill High crest.

It also includes white shirts with collars and a tie coloured to denote their year group.

The trousers and skirts are charcoal grey, with tailored shorts for warmer weather.

The new look replaces the white polo T-shirts with the Longhill crest, black trousers with the option for a jumper and skirt for girls.

One Year 8 student said: “I wasn’t sure at first about wearing a blazer, but I think it will be warmer for us in winter.

“I’ve never tied a tie before, but after a couple of tries it was easy and I think it looks good.”

Headteacher Kate Williams explaining the reasons behind the change said: “We are keen to encourage a gender-neutral uniform, which promotes and inspires pride and commitment to something greater than oneself.

“Longhill High school is on a journey of improvement and this is just one small part of the journey.”

It comes as the school unveiled a new house system inspired by local landmarks including the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Palace Pier, The Dome and The Lanes.

Ms Williams added: “Longhill High School is extremely fortunate to have such a fabulous location, situated as we are between the Downs and the sea on the edge of Brighton and Hove. We felt the diversity and vibrancy of the city, which has such a rich history, should be reflected in our formulation of a new house system.”

Mentor groups will be divided into four houses named after the Pavilion, The Lanes, the Dome and Brighton Palace Pier.

Ms Williams said: “We feel sure that students and staff will be able to identify with these iconic local landmarks.”

“We are extremely keen for our students to take a pride in their city and they have already been involved in the formulation of this new system by helping to design the new house logos. It’s a very exciting time for us here at Longhill High.”