Girls at a secondary school in Oldham have been barred from lessons over dress code violations after arriving in skirts, despite a new trousers-only policy introduced from September. Pupils at Co-op Academy Failsworth were told they will not be allowed in lessons until they swap their skirts for trousers, the M.E.N. reported.
Several pupils arrived at the school for the new academic year on Wednesday wearing skirts, despite the new uniform policy coming into force. As well as Failsworth, skirts have also been banned at Co-op Academy Walkden, Co-op Academy Swinton, Co-op Academy North Manchester, Co-op Academy Manchester and Co-op Academy Belle Vue.
Parents criticise 'ridiculous' uniform change
Some parents have expressed anger over the uniform change, calling it 'ridiculous' and saying a number of Year 11 girls were not allowed to class on their first day back, with other year groups affected when they returned on Thursday.
Samantha Scholes has two daughters in Years 10 and 11 and says they've been 'in tears' over the new rules. She says her eldest was turned away on her first day back when she arrived wearing a skirt. Samantha, who insists her daughter was not offered trousers - but would not have wanted to wear them anyway as she is 'very self-conscious' - said: "I am extremely concerned that my daughter has been denied access to her education because of a uniform issue.
"Whilst I understand that the academy has changed its uniform policy, I do not believe that causing a child to miss lessons is a reasonable or proportionate response.
"I do not agree with what they have done. I think even girls who have put the pants on would choose skirts."
Trust says pupils 'have not been turned away'
Another mum, Samantha Gallier, said her daughter had reluctantly agreed to wear trousers, but 'was upset' as she 'said she looked like a boy'. She complained to the school when the change was first announced saying it 'raises concerns regarding equality, inclusion, and student wellbeing'.
"Removing a clothing option traditionally worn by girls and compelling all students to wear trousers risks creating a policy that is both sexist and discriminatory in its impact," she told the school. "Equality should not mean erasing difference; rather, it should ensure that reasonable choices remain available to students."
The Trust says only a small number of pupils have turned up in skirts, who were offered a range of trousers to choose from and 'have not been turned away'. Despite the complaints raised by parents, bosses refused to back down saying its 'focus remains on creating a comfortable, inclusive and positive learning environment where every student can thrive'.
Readers split over skirt ban
Following the story's publication, readers have taken to the M.E.N. page's Facebook comments to have their say on the controversy. Malcolm Bradley levelled the blame at the parents, saying: "Why are these parents putting their children through this embarrassing episode? The schools dress code was plain to all. The parents need the education.."
Kim Marie Chaloner posted: "God help them when they leave school and are requested to wear specific clothing. Mummy and daddy surely can read the list of uniform requirements and know what length of skirt their little darlings are required to wear. Rules are there for a reason."
Lesley Miles agreed, saying: "So if they went for a job and the uniform was trousers then that’s what they’d have to wear. You don’t see supermarket workers in skirts as it’s not practical. A uniform is a uniform. Just get on with it!" While Patricia Malone said: "Uniform is uniform. You don’t choose it. I hated school uniform but I wore it."
Other readers laid the blame at the way the skirts are worn by the pupils as a good reason for the ban. Shontelle Austin said: "Maybe if girls didn't wear skirts up to their chins it wouldn't be a problem, it's not appropriate." Linda Thompson said: "Maybe use a three strikes and you’re out rule. If you need telling to roll your skirt down three times then trousers it is! Yes I’m old but the way girls wear their school skirts makes me cringe."
Carole White was of the same opinion, posting: "It depends on the length of the skirt! In these photos the skirts are ridiculously short. Trousers are the best way to go." Shana Chadwick said: "Trousers in winter, skirts in summer. But skirts worn with tights in winter should be ok, its when they [are] up their backsides showing next week's washing - that's the problem with bare legs."
While Louise Orgill believes a much more practical reason for why trousers should be worn. She said: "Trousers are far comfier and more practical to wear. Thirty years on and I can still vividly remember walking to school, legs freezing, even with tights on due to the rain and snow, grim."
