BOYS SKIRT ROUND SHORTS BAN
SCHOOLBOYS are protesting a ban on shorts during the heatwave – by turning up to class in skirts.
Despite the sweltering temperatures, and Wales being the hottest place in the UK over the past few days, Cyfarthfa High School in Merthyr Tydfil has told students they must attend school in standard black trousers or skirts.
Gillian Sweetman, whose son is in Year Seven, said: “My son came home from school and he said his trousers had been sticking to his legs because he was that hot.
“He wanted me to write a note excusing him from wearing trousers so he could wear smart black shorts instead, but I refused because I wanted to wait until the school made a decision.
“I think it’s ridiculous that they can’t wear shorts, not even smart black ones.”
Jonathan Martin, 42, has a teenage son and a stepson at the school.
He said he couldn’t understand why they couldn’t wear their PE kits in the hot weather.
“I think it’s wrong. Every other school in the borough are allowing them to wear their PE kits, which is part of the school uniform.
“Every kid in school has a PE kit, so there’s no reason why it can’t happen.
“I was at the school yesterday and they were sending children home. The parents weren’t contacted.
“What if something happened to them on their way home?
“The school is responsible for my children. In this day and age, you can’t say what can happen.
“The school needs to take responsibilty.”
His friend’s sons decided to wear skirts into school as a protest.
Mark Thomas’ son Kallum Thomas, 14, wanted to demonstrate how unfair he thought the rules were.
Mark said: “Kallum pointed out girls are able to wear skirts and trousers, so why can’t boys? “He’s not been sent home yet.” Cerys Jones’ son Alex Jones, 14, also took part.
His mum said: “They just wanted to keep as cool as they could. I think it’s common sense.”
Merthyr Tydfil County Council said the uniform policy at the school doesn’t allow pupils to wear shorts, adding: “Cyfarthfa High School would like to remind parents and pupils of its uniform policy.
“The school has a summer uniform where the boys have the option to wear summer polo shirts with school trousers and the girls wearing a light summer blouse with their school skirt.
“At present the school uniform policy does not cover the wearing of shorts.
“It is something that we will be looking at with our school community, but in the meantime, pupils are expected to attend school according to the current policy.
“We will keep all interested parties informed if this policy changes.
“During this warm weather, the school is also reminding all pupils to stay hydrated and drink as much water as possible throughout the day.”
They added: “Uniform is a decision taken by each individual school and governing body; the council has no input into their decision.
“The Facebook post we put out yesterday was not a statement from the council but a communication from the school that they asked us to share with our followers.”
The school declined to comment further.