Some schools across the UK have banned pupils from wearing skirts, while others are looking further into making the change. However, the decision has caused an uproar among parents
The move to ban girls from wearing skirts in schools has sparked a heated debate. Several schools across the UK have announced plans to adopt a trousers-only policy, citing the persistent issue of girls rolling up their skirts.
Earlier this month, students at Honywood School in Coggeshall, Colchester, Essex, were informed that, starting in September, they would only be allowed to wear trousers or knee-length shorts, effectively banning skirts. The move was later postponed after backlash from parents.
Fred Longworth High School in Tyldesley, Wigan, Manchester, also made headlines when it revealed that replacing skirts with pinafores had failed to resolve the problem of girls rolling their skirts up. While other schools, including Thomas Clarkson Academy in Wisbech and Neale-Wade Academy in March, both in Cambridgeshire and Philips High in Whitefield, Bury, Manchester, have already banned skirts.
In light of another school suggesting the change, many have taken to social media to express their concerns over the ban on skirts in schools. One wrote: “That’s ridiculous, yes have rules but making girls wear shorts/trousers… what is this world coming to.”
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Someone else added: “This is really interfering with their education.”
“I’m surprised they haven’t banned trousers instead,” another penned. While a fourth questioned: “Is this not discrimination against girls.”
However, others seem more opposed to the idea as one mentioned: “It will stop them from rolling them over at the waist band so they are so short.” A second added: “There should be a strict uniform regulations and if not adhered to parents heavily fined: end of.”
The announcement about the school uniform policy from Honywood School in Essex sparked criticism among parents. In light of alleged “discriminatory and bigoted” feedback over the potential skirt ban, the headteacher of Honywood School said it would be put on hold as he addressed criticism of “liberal wokeness”.
A statement was posted on the school’s Facebook page, encouraging parents and carers to share their opinions on the school’s dress code before any changes are implemented. The statement also addressed some of the feedback already received, reports Essex Live.
The statement read: “Following on from the letter sent to you yesterday, I would like to clarify our next steps towards reviewing the uniform policy at Honywood School. I have paused any further actions regarding implementing any changes to the policy so that feedback can be gathered from families and fed into the process.
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“I still believe we need to review our dress code for several reasons. These include concerns about behaviour, affordability, and promoting a more gender-neutral approach. Most of the feedback I have received is around the topic of being gender-neutral, which at times, perhaps unintentionally, has been quite discriminatory and bigoted towards some groups of society.”
The head teacher pointed out that only a small number of students are not adhering to the school’s dress code, with 75 pupils failing to wear skirts according to the guidelines.
Headteacher Mr James Saunders commented: “Whilst I am keen to collate further feedback, I feel we need a more productive framework, free from the emotive and polarised opinions that permeate society and are exploited for sensational news. As a society, we do not always have to be on the opposite ends of the spectrum.
“Talking about ‘liberal wokeness’ at one extreme or a ‘Victorian approach to discipline’ on the other is not helpful. It is all too easy to be swayed in emotive language and follow the crowd.
“Rarely do such discussions recognise what happens in schools and this approach risks us losing the art of debate and discussion – let’s do that in a measured way together. I offer my sincere apologies that the communication may have felt rushed and that you have not had a proper opportunity to share your views – we will rectify this.”
He also mentioned that, as of his writing, he had received 12 emails from parents or carers expressing questions or concerns, and 11 showing support for the change. Mr Saunders expressed gratitude towards those who reached out to the school and assured them he would respond after all feedback has been considered.
He further invited other parents and carers to voice their opinions on the dress code, both in its current form and the proposed changes, before any decisions are made. Mr Saunders asked for feedback regarding the cost and affordability of different gendered uniforms, branded items, behaviour management, and the practicality of the PE kit.
Additionally, he urged parents and carers to consider the feelings of those with protected characteristics, exceptions during extreme weather conditions, suitability and safety, as well as environmental impact.
