School drops ban on girls wearing shorts under skirts

A SOLIHULL school has dropped plans to ban girls from wearing shorts under their skirts after a backlash from angry parents. Meriden Church of England Primary School had initially described the practice as “unhygienic”.

According to one parent, mums and dads were left “angered” after receiving an email from teachers about the ban. The unhappy mother questioned: “Is it normal for a school to be commenting on what’s underneath a child’s skirt? They’re kids, they handstand, they cartwheel and want to protect their modesty.”

The school later rowed back on the uniform decree after what it called “further conversation”.

In a fresh message headteacher Lucy Anderton said children can wear shorts under their skirts as long as they are not “thick or bulky”.

Ms Anderton wrote: “Following the uniform note that was sent out on Wednesday regarding the wearing of shorts and dresses together, emails were received and further conversation was had at today’s coffee morning. Further consideration has now been given and I confirm that children are allowed to wear shorts underneath their skirts if wished by parents.

“However, they shouldn’t be thick or bulky and should not be able to be seen under the uniform (at least until your child is upside down!) Thank you to those who put forward very sensible and considered points. We are always happy to listen and act on your feedback.”

The original email to parents read: “Girls should not be wearing PE shorts under school skirts or dresses as this is unhygienic when worn all day. If they want to do handstands etc. but feel a little self-conscious, it may be more suitable for them to wear grey shorts or trousers; girls’ school shorts can be purchased from places such as ASDA or Marks and Spencer.”

The parent added: “There was a lot of anger from the mothers perplexed [as to] why the school should be concerning themselves with what pupils have on under their skirts.”