Angry parents claim school isolated girls over 'distracting short skirts'

18 September 2023 , 10:55

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Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy in Runcorn (Image: Copyright Unknown)

Furious parents have slammed a school where they claim 100 girls were "isolated" because their skirts were considered "too short" and were "distracting".

A number of parents of female pupils at Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy in Runcorn have alleged that there is "uproar" with a new rule that does not permit skirts above knee length and it has led to children being segregated. At the same time the school has said its aim is to create the best learning environment for the pupils.

One parent said: "Do they expect them to cover their bodies from head-to-toe? They have over 100 female students isolated from lessons because of this." Another stated: "A new rule, brought out the first day of school term states girls' skirts should not be above knee length.

"Because of the new rule, over 100 female students were isolated due to their skirt length. An uproar has occurred with parents complaining, as they should, about their students missing their education."

A spokesperson for the academy in Cheshire, said it was "committed" to creating the best possible learning environment for students. Adding: "School uniform is an important part of that, as a smart appearance reflects the high standards we set for our students in terms of learning, attitude and behaviour."

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She told CheshireLive: "We have always had a uniform policy, with students aware of the expectations for different items of clothing and we communicated this to students and families ahead of the summer break. As part of this, we were also clear that in instances where students were not following these policies, corresponding sanctions would be implemented, in line with our behavioural policy."

She added that parents, students and carers would now have until September 25 to ensure uniform adhered to policy. The spokesperson added: "Any families who are having issues should contact the academy, as we will continue to provide ongoing support for those who need it, including the purchasing of new items."

Meanwhile, a school has faced backlash for putting a child in isolation for wearing a supermarket version of the official skirt as parents claim pupils are being punished for "financial struggles."

Holderness Academy in Preston, East Yorkshire, has sparked widespread outrage after an image of the identical skirt went viral and caused a heated debate. The school has defended its decision despite critics arguing that it contradicts new government guidelines aimed at making school uniforms more affordable.

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S P Jones