Pupils at Monmouth Comprehensive School have hit back at claims that they dress scruffily, compared to pupils in the eighties. Below, today's pupils comment and we print a picture of this year's Sixth Form.

We were very disheartened by the comments made in last week's paper comparing the difference in school uniform in the two photographs. The photographs were of two completely different events – one a formal Sixth Form photograph (probably taken 20 years ago) and the other an informal lunchtime gathering to celebrate the naming of the new school boat which was purchased following a concerted fund raising effort by students and parents.

We were very hurt to be called 'the scruffy bunch' as we are very proud to be members of Monmouth Comprehensive School and feel privileged to be part of the MCSBC. There is a strict uniform policy at MCS which we all adhere to, and are proud of. As you will see from the attached photograph, this is a current Sixth Form photograph which we are sure you will agree is every bit as smart as the photo taken 20 years ago.

(Lauren Bradley, Nicole Lea, Melissa Pearce, Monmouth Comprehensive School Boat Club)

I was shocked to read your letter on the appearance about children at Monmouth comprehensive school and calling us a scruffy bunch and also saying that we let the school down.

You are comparing us to a class photograph taken in 1988, class photographs are prepared for and posed for. I think that the pupils in the photo with the boat were not prepared for that photograph.

When my form had a group photograph taken we were all told to look and dress smart the day before so we were prepared and we did look smart.

R. Payne (Monmouth Comprehensive)