Yahoo News West County school wants to ban skirts and make all pupils wear trousers or shorts
A West Country primary school is considering a ban on skirts due to concerns that they are being worn too short. It's believed to be the first such move of its kind among schools for younger children in the nation, coming after a secondary school overturned its own similar rule earlier this year following parental backlash.
Newquay Junior Academy in Cornwall, has informed parents of its intentions to enforce the skirts restriction starting from September. Should it gain approval, the updated rule would dictate that girls at the school must wear trousers or tailored shorts as opposed to skirts.
The academy, which is part of the Cornwall Education Learning Trust, is seeking parents' opinions on their proposal. Craig Hayes, the executive headteacher, stated in a letter to parents that many girls' skirts are currently too short, leading the school to envision a more gender-neutral uniform in order to discourage fads and bullying.
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He wrote: " 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.", reports Cornwall Live.
The communication sent to parents, which CornwallLive has seen, says: "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 currently being consulted about the scheme with the school indicating that a final decision would be made after the May half term break.
However, not all parents are satisfied with the proposed changes. One mum said: "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."
In previous times, schools in Cornwall - or in Devon - and beyond have taken similar steps but received a backlash, or declined to enforce it. Earlier this year in March, Launceston College made such an announcement but had to retract due to strong opposition from parents. Tiverton High School in Devon also indicated its intention to ban skirts aiming to establish a "more gender-neutral uniform policy".
