Primary school wants to ban skirts because pupils wear them ‘too short’
Pupils at a primary school in Cornwall could soon be forced to wear trousers or tailored shorts because of a proposed ban on skirts.
Newquay Junior Academy in Newquay, wrote a letter to parents asking their views and would look to implement the new rule from September.
The school is part of Cornwall Education Learning Trust and executive head teacher Craig Hayes wrote to parents: ‘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.’
The letter added: ‘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 letter does go on to address the controversy around the situaion.
It 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.’
The school said it will make its final decision after the May half term.
But 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.’
Launceston College in Cornwall planned a skirt ban in March but this was scrapped following a backlash from parents.
Cornwall Education Learning Trust has been contacted for additional comment.
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