School pupils protest over 'sexist and unnecessary' uniform

School pupils protest over 'sexist and unnecessary' uniform

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George Bunn

By George Bunn


Published: 09/01/2024

- 08:25

The Yate Academy students in Gloucestershire protested against the controversial policy

Pupils at a South Gloucestershire held a protest over the enforcement of a controversial uniform policy.

Teachers at The Yate Academy in Yate were accused of "overreacting" by parents about restrictions to skirt lengths.


Parents said the policy has "disrupted learning" and resulted in "undue stress and agitation among the student body".

A petition calling on a revision to the restrictions to skirt lengths has reached over a thousand signatures at time of writing.

A sign outside the chool

Gloucestershire pupils protest over 'sexist and unnecessary' uniform

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One mum told BristolLive that she believes the school has overreacted.

She said: "I raised this back in September that the rules were over the top, and now here we are with students hitting back against what they perceive to be the final straw.

"I can't say I'm the least bit surprised. They’re knee-length and sometimes longer!

"Plus they’re wearing them with thick black tights in the main. The fuss over it all is ridiculous."

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A group of school pupils

The uniform policy has proved controversial (File Pic)

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The petition reads: "We are asking the Yate Academy faculty to ease up on restrictions to skirt lengths, as it has disrupted learning, which they claim to value, and has resulted in undue stress and agitation among the student body.

"We were told on the first day back that not only are our bodies objectifiable but are unacceptable.

"They claim it is because they wish to ensure all school rules are enforced equally, however, there are underlying issues that have arisen from this, even if it were not intended.

"There is no regard for personal preference or comfortability. If one single inch above the knee affects education or discipline, then we are doomed.

"We ask for equality, because apparently we do not have a say in our personal appearance as we are still in the British school system."

According to Yate Academy's website, are described as an "optional item", red and navy tartan and says they are available in 22 or 24 inch lengths, confirming that they must be 'on or below the knee... Not be rolled up or shortened".

The policy adds: "Uniform is checked at the front door as students arrive to school.

"If students are wearing an incorrect item of uniform they will be taken aside by a member of staff and it will be explained what needs to be corrected."

GB News has contacted Yate Academy and the Greenshaw Learning Trust for comment.

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