Latest news with #skirtban
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.
BBC News
09-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Kirk Balk school plans to ban skirts from 2026
Female pupils at a school in Barnsley are to be banned from wearing a letter to parents, Kirk Balk Academy in Hoyland explained that the move to "tailored trousers" from September 2026 would promote "equality and inclusivity".Kirk Balk is one of 17 secondaries run by the Northern Education Trust, which also operates schools in North Yorkshire and the North East, to bring in the skirt ban next parents have criticised the uniform change while others said it would be an end to "too short" rolled-up skirts. The school trust said it had been considering the move for a while. In a letter to parents outlining the policy, Kirk Balk principal Hayley Craddock said: "The move to trousers for all students promotes equality and inclusivity, ensuring all students feel comfortable and supported. "Trousers are also more practical for active learning and movement throughout the school day, while simplifying uniform requirements helps reduce costs for families.""We understand that this is a significant change, which is why we are providing over a year's notice to allow time for any necessary adjustments," she added. A parent, who didn't want to be named, told the BBC that her daughter was unhappy about the change."It's disgusting, they want girls to be girls, they want them to be their own people but they are taking every piece of them away. "My daughter thinks wearing trousers makes her feel like a boy."She added: "If it comes down to tailored trousers I'll be looking at somewhere else. I'm not having her feel a certain way that will affect her education for the rest of her life."Tracey Bailey, who works at The Old House Café across from Kirk Balk, said she understood the need for the change."At my school we were only allowed a skirt at a certain length and we used to abide by it. Now the girls do what they want"She also had a message for some teachers: "They wear low cut tops. They need to be more respectful."Former pupil Fran Birmingham, who works at The Salvation Army charity shop a short walk from the school, disagrees with the new rule."It's not appropriate for girls to wear trousers all the year through. "They need fresh air," she added. Other schools around the UK have already implemented similar rules although one school in Essex reversed the decision after the head said he received abuse from of the change in uniform policy, parents living in Barnsley will soon receive financial support from the council towards uniform local authority confirmed this week that parents will receive a £100 voucher to help pay for a statement about the changes, the Northern Education Trust said they were "extremely mindful" of the cost of school uniforms for parents and had been considering the impact of changes for a number of also confirmed they had received "positive feedback" from pupils and the decision to delay implementation until 2026 would give "families plenty of time to prepare so that they could make an informed choice when purchasing items". Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'You cannot take away choice from girls'- reactions to possible school skirt ban
A GROWING number of schools across the UK are moving to ban skirts from their uniform policies — and the reaction from parents and residents has been anything but quiet. The latest flashpoint is Honywood School in Coggeshall, Essex. Earlier this month, the school announced that from September, students would only be permitted to wear trousers or knee-length tailored shorts — effectively banning skirts altogether. The school said the decision was due to ongoing issues with students rolling up their skirts. However, following a backlash from parents, the ban was postponed — though not entirely scrapped. The Gazette took to the streets to ask residents what they thought of the controversial move, and the community offered a range of strongly held views. Kerry Martin (Image: Newsquest Reporter) 'I think it's a little bit extreme that these schools are banning skirts,' said Kerry Martin, 36, an artist living in Blackheath. 'I understand that there are some concerns, and they are valid and they must have rules in place to ensure everyone is wearing the right length skirt. "However, they shouldn't take it away from everybody. Girls should be allowed to wear skirts if they choose to. Especially in this hot weather.' James Ferris (Image: Newsquest Reporter) James Ferris, 39, an engineer from Tollesbury, said he sees the issue from the perspective of a parent. He said: 'I don't think it's fair at all. As a girl dad, I fully believe that the girls should be allowed to wear whatever they want to wear. "They should have the right to choosing if they want to wear a skirt or trousers. You cannot take away choice from young women as they are growing up.' Anna Gayle (Image: Newsquest Reporter) Anna Gayle, 42, who works in HR and lives in Manningtree, said: 'As a mum, I feel that it seems unnecessary to ban the skirt. "If the length of the skirt is an issue, have stricter guidelines about what's the appropriate length. "As a parent, I believe schools should have the right to policy making, but you cannot take away choice from young women. "Have rules in place about what's the right length of the skirt permitted, and for kids who don't follow that rule, have a chat with their parents.' Matt Gayle (Image: Newsquest Reporter) Her husband, Matt Gayle, 43, a CBT therapist also from Manningtree, agreed that banning skirts goes too far. He said: 'I know girls tend to roll up their skirts, but a ban is over the top. If there is a certain uniform, have a guideline and make sure people abide by it. "Discipline is important but we cannot simply dictate girls to not wear skirts. "Skirt or trouser, the choice must be theirs and parents must also take full responsibility in making sure the girls wear the right length of skirt that is outlined in the school's uniform policy.' Matt Coowes (Image: Newsquest Reporter) Matt Coowes, 34, a production engineer, living in Clacton said: "Well my organisation had banned shorts last year actually, which we all sided with because it was from a health and safety standpoint. "So, this sort of uniform policy is only acceptable in my opinion if it's to safeguard the children from a health and safety perspective. But clearly that's not the case. "It's a case of taking away choice from young women to decide if they want to wear a skirt or a trouser, it's about controlling how they chose to express themselves. "Sure the girls roll up the skirts, then find a better way so they don't. Banning is not the solution." Linda Lloyd (Image: Newsquest Reporter) Linda Llyod, 56, a screening officer for a learning disability organization living in St Osyth, said banning skirts fails to address the real issue. She said: 'Well girls rolling up school skirts is very normal for their age. It's life, it's just girls for you. "Now it's absolutely ridiculous they want to ban skirts. I think they shouldn't ban it. Girls wear skirts and they should be allowed to wear it if they choose to. "The length is an issue, and that should be addressed in a better way. If your concern is girls' safety, make sure you outline it as a rule they wear knee-length skirts, but don't ban it entirely. "I see both sides of this argument but a ban... that's still a bit unfair and I hope they don't implement it.'
