You only said shorts were banned, Miss

THEIR school had refused to relax its strict uniform code despite the searing heat. So as shorts are banned, these teenage boys wore skirts to class.

They were among 50 who took part in the protest yesterday at Isca Academy in Exeter, after five boys did so the previous day. One was told off because his skirt was too short, while another said he was told his legs were ‘too hairy’. The mother of one 14year-old pupil said: ‘My son wanted to wear shorts but was told he would be put in the isolation room for the rest of the week. The headteacher told them, “Well you can wear a skirt if you like” – but I think she was being sarcastic. However, children tend to take you literally. There was nothing she could do as long as they are school skirts.

Headmistress Aimee Mitchell said: ‘Shorts are not part of our uniform. However, with hotter weather becoming more normal, I would be happy to consider a change.’