SCHOOLGIRLS are protesting after being told skirts will be banned from autumn as they are not gender neutral.
One at Bradford’s Appleton Academy said: “I don’t like having the choice taken away.”
The school said: “It’s gender neutral policy in line with the majority of secondaries.”
A letter sent to parents from the headmaster explained they are banning skirts with the aim to create a gender-neutral uniform and to stop girls wearing girls wearing skirts at inappropriate lengths.
But pupils at the school are considering getting a petition together in order to reverse the policy.
One year 10 student said: I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.
“I like wearing a skirt because I find them comfortable, not for any reason other than that.
“Some people say that wearing a skirt makes you look like a tart and things like that. It’s just a piece of clothing, I don’t understand.”
One of the mums from the school, complained: “I think it’s disgusting and actually sexist. They’re not going to go and force the boys to wear skirts.
“Women from all the generations before this one wore skirts without any problems, what’s changed now?
“What’s really annoying is that the first any of us heard about the change was on social media. We didn’t get the letter until a day later.”
Appleton Academy was placed in the ‘require improvement’ category in its last Ofsted report in 2016.
Exceed Academies Trust, which runs the school said: “A letter has been sent to parents this week and will be followed up before the end of the year informing of this change, in order to allow families as much time as possible to prepare for the start of the new school year.
“In response to the policy change, the reaction from our pupils has been very mature; they have calmly asked the reason behind the decision and politely accepted the explanation provided.
“The majority of parents have responded with positive feedback and are supportive of the change and understand the reasons for it.
“Parents have been reminded of the ways in which they can contact the school if they have a concern and we will happily support them with this change in the lead up to the end of the school year.
“A series of assemblies will be held fully informing pupils of this minor change to uniform and an additional letter will go to parents before the end of the year.”
