School bans skirts as hemlines get too high

The Draconian step was taken after pupils repeatedly flouted a rule that skirts should be no more than three inches above the knee.

Governors say pupils were constantly rolling up normal length skirts to make them shorter.

So from September, girls at Woodhey High School in Bury will wear regulation trousers with a pink-andwhite blouse and maroon blazer.

Luise Nandy, chairman of the governors, said yesterday: "There are several reasons for this decision.

"The skirts, even when worn at the correct length, are no longer appropriate wear for some subjects such as drama, or for any activity which involves sitting on the floor, like assemblies.

"In addition, the skirts are worn far too short by the majority of girls who roll them up at the waist in order to appear fashionable, and are a source of endless battles between parents and children, and staff and children."

She added: "There have been many comments from people in the communityincluding parents, who feel that such short skirts create an unfavourable image of the school.

"We are giving a four-month notice period in the hope that this will give all girls time to outgrow their current shirts and skirts."

Some parents are angry with the decision.

One mother, whose 15-year-old attends the school, said: "My daughter is of that age when she wants to express her femininity.

'She understands the need for a respectable uniform and wears her skirt properly. She doesn't want to be like some tomboy knocking around in a pair of trousers."

Girls have also been told they can no longer wear white shirts and ties, which had previously been an option.

Another parent said: "This is not cheap. My daughter wore the white blouse and skirt and we are going to have to buy a whole new uniform."

The specialist mixed science college has almost 1,000 pupils aged 11-16. Headmaster Martin Braidley said the ban 'has been more supported than opposed by parents'.

But Margaret Morrissey, of the National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations, called it "heavy-handed". She said: "Not all girls are going to feel totally comfortable in trousers. Those who have worn the right length skirts will feel they are being punished.

"A few years ago, girls and their parents had to fight for the right to wear trousers in schools.

"I think there should be a concern that they are again being denied a choice."