Yahoo News West Country primary school wants to ban skirts because girls 'wear them too short'
A primary school in the West Country is considering a ban on skirts due to concerns that girls are wearing them too short. Earlier this year, a secondary school reversed a similar plan following backlash from parents, but this is thought to be the first instance of such a proposal at a primary school nationwide.
Newquay Junior Academy, located on Edgcumbe Avenue, has informed parents of its intention to implement the skirt ban from September. If approved, the new rule would require girls to wear trousers or tailored shorts instead of skirts, reports Cornwall Live.
The school, which is part of the Cornwall Education Learning Trust, is seeking parents' opinions on the proposed change. In a letter to parents, executive head teacher Craig Hayes expressed concern over the short length of skirts worn by many girls at the school, suggesting a more gender-neutral uniform as a solution to discourage fads and bullying.
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In his letter, he stated: "The proposed change is that there will no longer be an option to wear skirts within our uniform policy. Instead, we are proposing that instead of a skirt, pupils will all wear either tailored black school trousers or tailored black school shorts. The rationale for this, is that we are concerned about the way that some of our girls are wearing their skirts, and this is reflected in comments from many of you, as parents and carers, but also from visitors and our community."
He remarked: "Some skirts are just too short, and the length is difficult to rectify and/or monitor. The length of the skirt is not in line with school uniform, and we are at a point now where this must be addressed. As such, we are reviewing the wearing of skirts for September 2024 and considering a move to trousers for all."
The communication sent to parents, which CornwallLive has seen, further states: "We want our pupils to express their individuality through their beliefs, passions, talents, and minds and not through their clothing and image. We all know that, unfortunately, some feel pressure to customise their uniform in a way that we know none of us would encourage. Our pupils deserve to attend an academy where they feel safe and can thrive and where all are treated fairly.
"Academy uniform creates an inclusive atmosphere because it does not differentiate pupils by background. We believe that a uniform worn without modification is the best way to ensure equality. We do not want pupils feeling vulnerable and stressed by the pressure they feel to wear the latest trend or status symbol."
"Wearing a uniform as expected, dilutes the status placed on expensive shoes, labels, or length of skirt. We strive to shift the emphasis of competition and status, to create a feeling of collective pride and of support for peers."
Parents are now being asked for their opinion on the proposal. The school said its final decision will come in after the May half term break.
The proposed decision has not gone down too well already with some parents. One mum told us: "It seems ridiculous that girls have no dress or pinafore option and to be asked to dress in a uniform that will make some girls feel uncomfortable/not themselves."
"Young girls especially in the junior school are suffering because teachers can't handle the discipline it takes to teach kids to roll down their skirt. It is unfair and a blanket ban on skirts seems crazy."
A similar row occurred in South Gloucestershire earlier this year. Students at Yate Academy protested a uniform rule on skirt lengths after claims some female pupils were taken out of lessons to discuss their uniforms.
It's not the first time, schools in the South West - and beyond have banned skirts, or tried to. In March this year, Launceston College announced a similar move but was forced to back down following a backlash by parents. Previously Tiverton High School in Devon said it would also ban skirts to create a "more gender-neutral uniform policy".
