Gender Neutral Uniform at Priory School

The headmaster of the Priory School reports that there has been negative public comment about schoolgirls’ short skirts – and an increase in students claiming to be ‘gender-fluid’. He plans to kill two birds with one stone by making all students wear trousers rather than skirts. Predictably, there has been complaint, because, as always, it is female dress being restricted.

There’s no doubt that shortened school skirts constrain free movement and expose girls to sexual comment, so change is needed. However, schools seem to get themselves into a needless twist over uniform, placating one interest group only to offend or hurt another. In the melee, children’s – and especially girls’ – real interests are often lost.

Some state schools have approved a uniform hijab for pre-pubescent girls.  A decision made to placate one group of ultra orthodox parents, has appalled others, who rightly say it sexualises very young girls.

The intention of uniform should surely be to ensure all children are neatly and comfortably dressed, their bodies neither sexualised nor exposed to insult, humiliation or embarrassment and free to play, exercise and excel at sport.

I would suggest local schools give all children a choice of knee-length culottes or ankle-length trousers, provided that neither are too tight and both allow free movement. Culottes look like skirts, but cannot ride up or easily be shortened. This would allow girls free movement, protecting them from harassment – and the public from embarrassment – while giving boys access to cooler clothing in the summer.

Whatever schools do, they need to keep their focus on all children’s equal right to education, not the lobbying of interest groups.