A secondary school in Sussex, England has unveiled a new uniform policy—doing away with skirts and introducing a gender-neutral outfit for all students.
The Priory School has announced that the updated uniform was designed “specifically in response to the many issues and suggestions raised by parents, students and school staff” according to a statement on its .
“Specifically, it addresses the current issues of inequality and decency. We hope that it will provide a smart, comfortable and affordable alternative to the current uniform.
“The new update consists of shirt, tie, school jumper and trousers. This is a gender-neutral uniform to be worn by all students,” the statement reads.
According to the , the school introduced the new policy after concerns were raised about the length of skirts and also to be more inclusive of transgender students.
Parents have had mixed opinions about the wardrobe shift, with one mother saying that kids should have the option to wear a skirt if they want to.
“As a mum, I feel girls should be allowed to wear skirts if they want to,” she told the .
“For me, it’s not gender neutral because they are not allowing boys to wear skirts.”
Another said: “I know other parents feel it’s a boys uniform that has been imposed on girls and a real gender-neutral uniform would have choice.
“But I personally don’t mind.”
Existing students have the option to wear either the old or new uniform while new students are expected to purchase the gender-neutral uniform.
