TWO of Newquay’s biggest schools are proposing to ban girls from wearing skirts because they have been wearing them too short.

Newquay Tretherras and Newquay Junior Academy, which are run by the Cornwall Education Learning Trust, are consulting on the change to the school uniform which could come into force from September 2024.

Girls at the schools will have to wear tailored black school trousers or tailored black school shorts instead of skirts if the proposal is approved.

Gemma Harries, the head of school at Tretherras, and Craig Hayes, the executive head teacher at Newquay Junior Academy, in a letter to parents said: “We are concerned about the way that many of our girls are wearing their skirts, and this is reflected in comments from many of you, as parents and carers, but also from visitors and our community. 

“Some skirts are just too short, and the length is difficult to rectify and / or monitor. Students either roll the skirt up and sew it in place; or they secure the back of the skirt with a hair band, keeping it short; or they consistently roll the skirt up throughout the day, despite polite request to unroll it in line with uniform policy. 

“Ultimately, the length of the skirt is not in line with school uniform, and we’re at a point now where this has to be addressed. 

“As such, we are reviewing the wearing of skirts for September 2024 and considering a move to trousers for all. Our final decision will be communicated shortly after May half term, allowing for plenty of time for trousers to be purchased, should we decide that this will become policy. 

“We'd like to consult with you, our community, and have been consulting with our students all week, who have been incredible. Without exception, student groups have said that they get it. They understand why this is being suggested and have come up with a range of sensible and appropriate alternatives and trouser types. 

“Wearing the school uniform, or abiding to a staff code of conduct, demonstrates student and staff respect for their school, our values and supports a positive climate for learning at all levels. 

“As head of school, I have asked staff to implement our uniform policy. Where there are grey areas such a skirt length conversations with students can be time consuming, punitive and occasionally negative.

“We want to be talking to our students about that which matters – their learning; their interests; their well-being, and not whether their skirt is appropriate for school. Getting rid of this barrier is a supportive and effective way to ensure relationships remain positive, right from 8.20am. 

“We want our students to express their individuality through their beliefs, passions, talents and minds and not through their clothing and image.

“We all know that, unfortunately, some feel pressure to customise their uniform in a way that we know none of us would encourage. Our students deserve to attend schools where they feel safe and can thrive and where all are treated fairly. 

“These plans have the support of both our Chair of Governors and trustees, and we are now asking for your support in creating a fair, equal and happy school at the heart of our Newquay community.”

Angry parents have said that while they understand a need to crackdown on a trend of pupils 'rolling up' skirts to make them shorter, they said it was not appropriate for younger girls to be affected by a blanket ban.

Parents have taken to social media to express their thoughts on the proposed rule. Some are 'not happy' that the school wants to 'dictate' what young pupils can wear.

One parent said: “I’m not happy with the proposed new policy.

"Totally understand girls in secondary school rolling skirts up but for little girls young as seven that doesn’t even cross their mind.

"To ban summer dresses? Totally ridiculous, my child has an issue of getting heat stroke and overheating very easily.

"When this happens, she just shuts off, so that is putting a halt on her learning.

"Also if they are going to propose that all girls should follow this policy, that I should highly suggest the school should 'practise what they preach' and say to all female teachers, skirts should not be worn to work to set an example to our students.

"But I don’t think they will. Don’t punish little girls for things that the older girls are doing.

"Crack down on them in Year 6 then they won’t get much of a shock in a more stricter secondary school."

Another described the proposal as "an absolute joke" and "very sad".

Though some understand the need for changes - they deem the 'rule' too extreme.

One wrote: "They’re little children and people really wanna dictate what they can wear?

"I could get it if it were older ones messing about with their skirts but these are little girls - who wear dresses because they know mummy thinks they look pretty not because they’re trying to impress.

"Come on schools this is ridiculous now. Or let me guess?

"This is your failed attempt at getting boys to not wear skirts during the summer because you won’t let them wear shorts and everybody has to miss out and potentially overheat in class."

The school have said the final decision on the ban will be confirmed after the May half term break.

One person commented: "I understand for secondary (kind of) the length of skirt/style etc should be addressed not ban!

"Still they need to take account that not all children are the same and do have special needs.

"I feel sorry for our children, my daughter especially would not cope."