Latest news with #FredLongworthHighSchool
BBC News
18-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Pupils and parents slam skirt ban in Bolton and Wigan schools
Some parents and pupils are calling on schools in Greater Manchester to scrap their plans to ban pupils from wearing schools plan to implement the policy from September, including Canon Slade School in Bolton and Fred Longworth High School in a pupil at Canon Slade school, said she disagreed with the school uniform changes, adding it was "taking away our femininity".In separate statements, both schools said the decision had been made following discussions with parents, staff and governors. Fred Longworth High School said the change came after girls had reported feeling "uncomfortable and self-conscious" and the change would "eradicate pressure" and remove an "unnecessary barrier" to learning. In guidance from The Department for Education, it strongly encourages schools to have a uniform, as it can play a key role in promoting the ethos of a school, providing a sense of belonging and identity and setting an appropriate tone for a Year 10 pupil, said she did not believe that she should be forced to wear trousers. "We already had the choice to wear trousers like some people did, some people didn't, and that was completely fine," she said. "But now that we're getting the choices taken away from us, it just feels like it's really forced. "I think it's bad because it's taking away our femininity and what we see makes us girls."Her mother Karen also said the change in policy would be an extra cost. "For most parents of existing pupils, we've already bought the skirts," she said."In the case of Summer, she's only going to be wearing [the skirt] for nine months because she'll have finished the school in May. "So how's that making it affordable for some parents?" Scarlett, who is due to start the school in September, said she would prefer to wear a skirt."We're all growing up so it does make you feel a bit more comfortable," she said."It's not a fashion show, but at the same time you always want to look nice and presentable."James Watson, an Independent Network councillor on Wigan Council, has started a petition after his daughter's school also announced plans to bring in a trouser-only policy from has been signed by more than 1,000 people so far, following the decision by Fred Longworth High Watson said: "It's a very good school that she's in and she's had a fantastic time there, but she's worried now from September about wearing trousers to the point where we've even had a conversation that she doesn't want to go to that school anymore." Canon Slade School said the decision was made "following more than a year's worth of careful thought and consideration"."Adopting trousers for all students will help to empower staff to set an appropriate tone for a high standard of education and provide all students with a sense of belonging."This will in turn promote our professional and inclusive ethos."It added that the school had reduced branded items and the school would continue to support families financially. 'Safeguarding concerns' Fred Longworth High School said: "A strong uniform policy is a key tenet in creating a positive environment for learning."We make no apologies for the fact that we are a school with high standards, and as part of this, we expect all our students to wear the uniform in the correct way."The vast majority of our parents work with us and are broadly supportive of our policies."The school added that it was implementing the change "that will support many of our girls who are telling us that they feel uncomfortable and self- conscious"."We are eradicating pressure to wear skirts at inappropriate lengths and therefore removing an unnecessary barrier for our girls," it said."The short length of dresses poses a modesty problem which in turn can present safeguarding concerns both inside and outside of school." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Daily Mirror
13-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Banning skirts in school would be 'ridiculous' change to uniforms
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." READ MORE: Complete list of 15 jobs 'not entitled' to National Minimum Wage - what to know 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. READ MORE: Two stowaways found under school coach carrying children back from France trip "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.
