A ban on sandals at Takapuna Grammar School may be a step too far.

A Facebook campaign has been set up to fight it, labelling principal Simon Lamb's action ''political correctness gone mad''. 

The Save Our Sandals site calls on parents to support the protest by withholding next year's school fees until the policy is reversed. Flashmobs and a petition have also been suggested.

The page says there is simply ''no good reason to change what has been a part of our uniform for 85 years''. Lamb initially announced the ban from next year in reaction to the sloppy way he claims sandals are worn.  

But the school has since backtracked somewhat saying they will consider the issue as part of a total uniform review. Lamb said for many years the college has talked with students about ''the need to wear the sandals well''.

''We have also been clear that if students cannot wear this item correctly then we will withdraw the sandals from the range of uniform options. 

''This should come as no surprise to students as we have been relentless in our insistence with them.''

Lamb said students are injuring themselves because of the way they wear them and they're unsuitable in science labs.

The school's Board of Trustees supports the move. 

In a statement the board acknowledged the views ''of less than 20 parents'' who had emailed the school for and against the plan.

Because of that the board said a uniform review would be brought forward to term four ''so that all the views of the parents and students, current and prospective, can be heard''.

The board would then consider the results.

New Zealand Secondary Principals Association vice-president Paul Daley said schools can withdraw uniform options if they are unhappy with how it's being worn. 

He said most students choose to wear shoes and socks in summer anyway.

- © Fairfax NZ News