Advice.. swimming trunks

[Mumcue]

I'm after advice,
My 11yo son is due to start comprehensive school in September. He is currently a little overweight and is very very self conscious. After reading his new schools prospectus today we have noticed that during PE swimming lessons the boys are not allowed to wear shorts in the pool, only swimming trunks/pants style. They are very strict on this rule.
He has been subject to bullying in Primary school because of his weight, so I want to make him as comfortable as possible.
When he read this, there was instant tears and anxiety from him, which breaks my heart.

Do I contact the school to see if they make an exception for him? I have no idea how strict comprehensive schools are on this rule.
I'll do anything to reduce his anxiety.

Any advice appreciated.

Why should they make an exception for him though?! Don’t be that mum.

What are you doing to help him with his weight? Surely focusing on losing that will reduce his anxiety?

How overweight is he? You say he’s a little overweight, but then also that he was bullied for it.

I would absolutely ask. Also they say that but are they actually strict? I bet no preteen and teen boys want to wear speedos or anything skimpier than board shorts! Sorry OP, kids can be so cruel. Do you know anyone with older kids at the school
who knows if they actually stick to this?

Unfortunately there will be lots of overweight boys his age. They won’t make an exception for him because they’d have to do the same for the others.
I’d focus on using the 10 or so weeks between now and the start of term to help him become less overweight given how much it’s bothering him. (Assuming there’s no specific medical condition or disability which is the reason for him being overweight, in which case ignore all of the above and ask the school to make a reasonable adjustment).

Find out if they can wear the Speedo tight shorts (like hot pants) though I don’t have a huge amount of sympathy because the girls whatever their weight are expected to wear swimsuits

Thanks for your replies.
@BIWI I really don't want to be "that mum" at all, just want to make things run as smoothly as I can for him. Yes he is slightly overweight, as I mentioned, and he has been bullied for it, because unfortunately kids can be pretty horrible.
@herbygarden we read through the schools prospectus after the open evening yesterday where it stated the uniform policy for PE, saying swim trunks only, and he got instantly upset bless him. we'll definitely get in touch with some friends who have older siblings and ask them. Thank you.
@heatherwithapee unfortunately I'm thinking its more likely an exception won't be made, but the more I read, the more I understand he wont be the only one feeling like this. We are definitely focusing on losing a little bit of weight, he is struggling bless him.
@minnienono thank you, I will definitely check.

Firstly, let me express sympathy for you and your son. Bullying is absolutely hateful. Excuse my saying, but if there are a few specific children who are causing problems for your son, is it possible they may be going to different schools or perhaps be in a different class come September?

A swimming class will be well-supervised - there will be adults about whose presence in itself should deter bullying, or who can clamp down on any sign of it if necessary.

Regarding your son's distress over the swimming trunks - please don't mind my asking this - could the source of his distress be the need to swim with no top on in front of his classmates (swimming tops for boys being more common these days), rather than the type of trunks worn? What does he normally wear when swimming?

Would it help a little to say - "No one will be looking at you - just see how it goes the first time - you'll be in the water most of the lesson"?

My best wishes to you both.

Check if 'jammers' are considered OK. The sort of swimwear some competitive male swimmers wear.

DS1 is overweight. He is also a competitive swimmer. He wears jammers. Long lengths.
Board short make swimming harder as they "catch" water.

I was an overweight child. Bullies are awful. I'm sorry your son is going through this.

My son was overweight in year 7... it was difficult for him in years 7 to 10... now he has grown up and out and looks amazing! He was exercising a lot and not eating... in fact we were quite worried about him for a while... These years can be tough for some boys.

A friend of mine told me that her son was the same... she could see similarities and to trust in puberty.