A secondary school has banned girls from wearing skirts in order to create a “more gender-neutral” uniform policy.
Parents of Tiverton High School (THS) students in Devon were informed on June 9 that the “modifications” to the school uniform would come into effect from September this year.
Pupils at the co-ed secondary school will have to ditch their skirts, which are currently permitted, and attend lessons wearing only trousers, with the exception of PE sessions.
Sammy Crook, the school’s headmistress, said: “We will follow other secondary schools in implementing a more gender-neutral uniform policy.
“Parents/carers will be pleased to know that the majority of the uniform will remain as it is, with the exception that from September all students will be expected to wear trousers.”
‘Complete lack of democracy’
A number of parents expressed frustration after the announcement of the major change, which was decided without any prior consultation.
Among those angry about the lack of warning was Stephen Moakes, who said: “As a parent, I have concerns…These have been made without any consultation with the pupils or parents and are simply being imposed.
“I feel that as a school that encourages its pupils to be engaged and have a voice this seems to be a complete lack of democracy by not allowing the established pupil forums to have input on school uniform changes.”
