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Original poster

Girls not allowed to wear trousers to school...anyone with experience?

42 replies

21stcentury · 04/03/2011 20:04

A few months ago my daughter started at her new school for 7-11 year olds. The uniform policy states that only Skirts are allowed for girls. We approached the school and were told that Governing Body would be reviewing the Uniform policy. They sent out a general questionaire that asked parents if they were happy with the current uniform. Less than 50% of parents responded. The results of this review have now come through:

"After a lengthy discussion particularly on the pros and cons of allowing girls to wear trousers, the Governing Body has decided not to make any change to the school uniform but to update and clarify the guidance for parents... We have also supported a proposal that during cold weather girls should be allowed to travel to and from school in trousers with the option to change at the beginning and end of the school day."

I have seen the following article www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-126456/School-face-court-girls-wear-trousers.html
but was wondering if anyone else out there had experience dealing with Governing Bodies on this issue that could help us respond to this. If there is anyone who knows the "cons" of allowing girls to wear trousers I would also love to know.

OP posts:
TheCrackFox · 04/03/2011 21:01

I can't believe that this is still happening.

I had to wear a skirt to high school (1985-1991) and I had assumed that this practice had died out.

scurryfunge · 04/03/2011 20:58

Yes, they are not issued now. Neither are the lovely leather zip up handbags with a mini truncheon to fit in them Grin.

McDreamy · 04/03/2011 20:58

Girls aren't allowed to wear trousers or boots at our school (state primary). You are not alone.

BodleianBabe · 04/03/2011 20:55

Oh yes scurryfung when I joined the Police in 1988 they only issued you with skirts. I had to put a special report in asking to be issued with trousers and to be allowed to wear them whilst on duty!!

My Sgt ripped my report up and said I couldn't have them because he didn't like women wearing trousers!!!

I don't think they even issue skirts to Police women now??!

Very surprised that a state primary is enforcing a no trouser rule!!!

scurryfunge · 04/03/2011 20:48

Yes, I remember the debate at my secondary school (and we won the right to wear maroon crimplene trousers)in 1979.

I had the same argument in 1989 when I started teaching as to whether a female member of staff should be allowed to wear trousers. I thought it was unbelievable then.

I changed careers in 1996 to policing and was issued with a skirt (though they were quickly disposed of then).

AliceWorld · 04/03/2011 20:42

As in they shouldn't have to. Not as in I don't believe you.

AliceWorld · 04/03/2011 20:42

Me too. I have experience of fighting it, in the 90s. Can't believe women still have to.

ratspeaker · 04/03/2011 20:35

Thought this kind of thinking died out when i left school
In the mid 70s!

Original poster
21stcentury · 04/03/2011 20:35

No; only what you see in the quote. They did say they had asked the girls if they wanted to wear trousers and that only 3 had replied that they wanted to.

When the various Mums who are looking into this asked their children if they had been asked; the kids all said they had not been asked.

I would have like the consultation document to specifically ask:
Should girls be allowed to wear trousers:
strong agree, agree, neutral, disagree, strongly disagree.
However all they asked were general "what do you like/dislike about the uniform" type questions.

OP posts:
scurryfunge · 04/03/2011 20:29

I know, did they give any justification for being so behind the times?

Original poster
21stcentury · 04/03/2011 20:26

Thanks surryfunge. I can't believe that this is still an issue.

OP posts:
scurryfunge · 04/03/2011 20:19

this may help

It is down to the governing body as there is no specific legislation but they cannot fall foul of the Sex Discrimination Act -which banning trousers would, presumably.

scurryfunge · 04/03/2011 20:14

I'm googling now - will try to find out but there will be legislation that covers it.

Normantebbit · 04/03/2011 20:11

Certainly in Scotland they cannot force a uniform in Primary school

Original poster
21stcentury · 04/03/2011 20:10

I should make it clear that this is the Governing Body ("elected by the Parents") and not the school that are responsible for the policy

OP posts:
Original poster
21stcentury · 04/03/2011 20:09

It is a state primary - can you tell me where you get your information so I can include it in our letter to them. Thanks!

OP posts:
scurryfunge · 04/03/2011 20:08

A state primary cannot enforce a uniform let alone trousers. If it is a private school they can do what they like.

No state secondary would be daft enough to ban trousers for girls these days.