School drops September ban on skirts - but warns it could happen later
A PLAN to ban skirts from school uniform at a Dearne area secondary school from September has been abandoned following a review.
The change means skirts will remain an option, but with a strict criteria for design - and a warning that could be withdrawn in future if the dress-code is ignored.
Northern Education Trust revealed the trousers-only proposal last year, but has been engaged in a review since then, with parents contributing their views, alongside pupils and staff.
The trust say they were “incredibly grateful for the honest and thoughtful feedback” provided, and acknowledged: “We have heard clearly that many students value the option to wear skirts.”
That means girls will still be able to wear a skirt from September - though trousers remain the school’s preference as part of the uniform.
But they will have to be a plain, pleated style, “worn at least on the knee in length”.
The school has also revealed that “a significant amount of valuable learning time is spent by staff managing uniform concerns,” in a letter to parents from trust chief executive officer Jane Wilson.
“Our staff work extremely hard and we want to protect their time to focus on teaching and learning.”
The rules around skirts is regarded as a positive development by the school, but they insist there is “shared responsibility”, asking that parents and carers ensure children’s skirts meet their criteria.
“Our priority is to keep the focus on the classroom.
“When uniform rules are followed consistently, staff can spend their time supporting your child’s academic growth and wellbeing rather than discussing clothing lengths.
“We are fully committed to making this work.
“However, if skirts continue to be worn in ways that do not meet these expectations we will unfortunately need to take further action.
“This could include principals removing skirts as an option from the uniform policy during the year.”
Kirk Balk has been the subject of recent complaints about student behaviour outside the academy grounds beyond the school day, with issues being raised at Partners and Community Together meetings, led by South Yorkshire Police, recently.
A bus shelter in West Street was identified as a regular venue for fighting, in addition to wider complaints of anti-social behaviour.