Neale-Wade Academy in March and Thomas Clarkson Academy in Wisbech to prohibit students from wearing skirts next academic year

Two Fenland secondary schools have introduced a new uniform policy for the next academic year prohibiting students from wearing skirts.

Both Neale-Wade Academy in March and Thomas Clarkson Academy in Wisbech recently announced to parents the change in uniform policy, meaning students cannot wear skirts, only trousers or shorts.

Neale Wade Academy held a consultation, which showed that parents were in favour of changing the uniform policy for the next academic year.

Parents have taken to social media to express their views on the new proposal, which will be introduced in September.

On the March Cambridgeshire Free Discussion Facebook page, a parent commented: “I know my daughter is going to really struggle now with this rule with her SEN needs. She hates wearing trousers.”

Another said: “Totally agree with the school!”

A further comment added: “The length of the skirts on young girls I see as I drive through town in the morning amazes me, I agree with the trouser/ shorts rule.”

Graham Horn, principal at Neale-Wade Academy, part of the Active Learning Trust, said: “Our school is committed to maintaining clear, consistent, and affordable uniform expectations for all families.

“Skirts have been a recurring point of discussion due to the range of styles available, making it difficult for us to maintain a regulatory standard. This has also posed challenges for parents in ensuring their children comply with our uniform policy.

“In response, we have thoroughly reviewed our uniform policy, considering feedback from parents and the wider school community. Their input strongly supported a simpler, more cost-effective approach, and this was approved by the Trust.

“Rather than specifying a particular skirt from a designated uniform supplier, which would have been more expensive, we have taken the decision to ask all students to wear plain black trousers or shorts instead. We hope that this change will simplify our dress code, reduce expenses, and promote a consistent, professional appearance that reflects our school's values. Parents who require support with the uniform requirement can speak to the school to discuss on an individual basis.”

Thomas Clarkson Academy in Wisbech has introduced a similar policy.

Richard Scott, executive principal of Thomas Clarkson Academy, said: “Over the last few years we have been reviewing our uniform expectations to make it easier for students to consistently get it right, at the same time as making sure our uniform remains affordable for our parents. This is why we have already changed our shoe guidelines last year, allowing smart black trainers to be worn so that only one pair of shoes needed to be bought, which has been well received.

“Skirts continued to be an item where there are significant variations of styles available through high street retailers, many of which did not meet our uniform expectations. Through listening to our parents, we know that many found it increasingly difficult to buy this item confidently knowing that it would meet our uniform expectations.

"Therefore, to remove this uncertainty and instead of introducing a single skirt through a uniform supplier which would have been more expensive, we have taken the decision to ask all students to wear plain black trousers instead. We hope this will help make things clearer, and simpler and be most affordable for our school community, and know that parents have been reassured and supportive of this decision.

"We also continue to encourage any families to talk to us if they need help or support with their uniforms."