A Welsh school bans skirts because they are “far too revealing”. The headteacher claims to have received “frequent” complaints about the inappropriate attire girls wear at his school.
Lee Jarvis, head teacher at St Martin’s School in Caerphilly, wrote an email informing parents that come September, skirts would be banned from school. The new school year will start with strict new school uniform rules, whereby both pupils and staff must wear tailored trousers or shorts instead.
His decision was unpopular with some parents, with one suggesting the school should focus on other more pressing issues.
Mr Jarvis’ email to parents said: “Over the last couple of years our school community has had concerns over the length of some learners’ skirts.
“Staff and learners are included in this and members of the public have frequently contacted the school to complain about what they regard as highly inappropriate and far too revealing attire for the workplace.
“Despite us attempting to educate learners as to appropriate school-wear and issuing school badged skirts of an appropriate length, we have not been effective in ensuring that learners adhere to appropriate workplace attire.
“We have therefore concluded that this item of clothing needs to be removed from our uniform policy from September and replaced by tailored shorts for hot weather, or alternatively trousers.
“I felt it was prudent to write to let you know this in plenty of time before we all begin to consider purchasing a new uniform for September.”
The Parents’ Views on School Bans on Skirts
Parents have blasted the skirt ban after spending their hard earned money buying expensive uniforms.
One mum said: “My daughter is not happy and doesn’t want to wear tailored school trousers.”
Another parent said: “I think it’s unfair. Don’t they have other things to worry about after we’ve all come through Covid?”
Another mum added: “I disagree with this. It should be addressed per child, and not penalise the whole school.”
About 980 pupils attend the comprehensive and sixth form school.
Campaign group “Let Clothes Be Clothes” took to social media to say: “The skirts are school branded only, so how can they complain they’re not fit for purpose?
“This head is not showing good leadership, but allowing unaccountable strangers to police girls and female staff bodies and dress.”
It is not the first time a skirt ban has happened in schools. In 2019, Appleton Academy in Wyke, West Yorkshire, and Stowmarket High School in Suffolk both banned skirts and received prompted criticism.
Mr Jarvis has declined to comment on the issue any further.
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