Schoolgirls 'modesty' skirt ban

A school is banning skirts so that female pupils can "maintain modesty" in certain lessons.
Broadstone Middle School in Poole, Dorset, said the decision had been made by the school's governors so that boys and girls can join in the same lessons.

Some parents are unhappy at the ban and think that it has been imposed because of some girls wearing short skirts.

Poole Borough Council said that the school was within its rights to impose the trousers-only rule.

Head teacher Marilyn Warden said skirts were not appropriate during lessons such as music and drama.

"In order to give girls the same opportunities as boys for a safe, active and healthy lifestyle, while maintaining their modesty, it has been considered by our school governors that trousers for all pupils is a practical and appropriate dress requirement."

The school will impose the ban from January next year and rule that all pupils wear full length trousers at the 673-pupil school.

A council spokeswoman said the rule could be relaxed in a heat wave and "appropriate" clothing could be worn then.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/england/dorset/4116726.stm

Published: 2005/06/21 16:24:25 GMT