Parents of children at a Bradford secondary school have hit out at a decision to introduce badges for attendance and behaviour.

According to a number of parents, Immanuel College, in Leeds Road, Thackley, has introduced a new rewards system whereby pupils are given a badge if their performance in attendance and behaviour is of a sufficient level.

It remains unclear as to the exact measurements and requirements for reward, with parents claiming that no official announcement has been made and that they have not been informed of the new system by the school itself.

Peter Schofield, 50, of Eccleshill, said he was outraged by the decision and added: “I think I’ve reached the end of my tether with this school.”

He first found out about the new initiative when his daughter came home with two badges pinned to her uniform after the first day of the new term on Monday.

Mr Schofield is one of a number of parents who are worried the new system may breed disdain and bullying due to categorisation.

Another parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said if their child came home with a badge it would be thrown in the bin and added: “The school are just looking for numbers not pupils’ best interests.”

The parent also claimed that form rooms have a noticeboard with pupils’ photos attached, which are moved up and down depending on their attendance.

Mr Schofield himself said: “I thought we we’re in a society where people aren’t labelled.”

He is particularly worried about his daughter, who may have to take leave from school occasionally due to a diagnosed illness despite her current behaviour and attendance being “bang on”.

He added that he did not want her to be categorised for something beyond her control.

The rules surrounding the badges are still unclear, with no exact indication as to whether an authorised absence will jeopardise a pupil keeping their badge, or how many days off it takes for an attendance badge to be removed.

Faye Wilson, 37, of Thackley said: “They don’t communicate anything with anyone.”

Her son was unsure as to whether the behaviour badge he had been awarded on Monday was for his good performance on the day or for the previous term.

But one parent said: “What’s the big deal? There’s bigger stuff going on in the world right now.”

A spokesperson for Immanuel College stressed the importance of attendance in order for pupils to have the best opportunity to learn.

The spokesman added: “We actively seek ways to encourage children to attend school at Immanuel through both rewarding high attendance and good behaviour.”