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News

Mixed views over school uniform

Following a Governing Body decision at Broadstone Middle School, a newsletter outlining the school’s dress code was sent to parents on 17 June.  It was advised that from January 2006 both girls and boys will be required to wear full-length trousers.  This sparked some emotion locally, which was reported in the Daily Echo and from there the world’s media took an interest…

Below are comments made by the Headteacher, the chair of governors and the Council, from 20 - 23 June, responding to questions asking why and how the decision was made and how the school is dealing with opinions and comments:

20 June

Marilyn Warden, Headteacher at Broadstone Middle School, said, “In order to give girls the same opportunities as boys for a safe, active and healthy lifestyle, whilst maintaining their modesty, it  has been considered by our school governors that trousers for all pupils is a practical and appropriate dress requirement.

We offer a wide range of active opportunities both as part of the curriculum and during break times and encourage all children to participate. 

Prior to this decision, soundings were taken from a range of staff and the School Council.  It will be phased in during the Autumn term and become compulsory from 1 January 2006.

Shorts for boys has not been part of the school uniform for many years and the majority of pupils happily wear full length trousers throughout the year.

This move is meant to enhance all of our pupils overall educational experience.”

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21 June
John Nash, Policy Director (Children’s Services), Borough of Poole, said, “In our view, school uniform should be practical and appropriate to the day to day life of the school. 

Decisions about children’s appearance should have the support of the parents and the young people themselves.  To this end, Ms Warden, Headteacher at Broadstone Middle School, welcomes enquiries from parents who wish to discuss this decision.

The responsibility of setting a school dress code lies with each individual school’s governing body.”

Marilyn Warden, Headteacher at Broadstone Middle School, said, “Following concerns from the information in our recent school newsletter regarding the requirement for girls to wear trousers, a number of parents have contacted the school. 

I welcome the opportunity to hear parental views and will of course communicate these to the governing body. 

I would stress that all our decisions are made with the children’s best interests at heart.” 

Jacquie Hattemore, Chair of the governing body at BMS, said, “The governing body has decided to amend the school dress code and from January 2006 girls will be required to wear trousers.  The school has a very active curriculum and it was decided that trousers would be more suitable for all pupils.  Although it will not be compulsory until Jan 06, as a governing body we felt the need to act quickly and advise parents prior to them purchasing uniforms for the new academic year.”

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23 June

John Nash, Policy Director (Children’s Services), said, “School uniform can make a considerable contribution towards a schools ethos and image and assist the ease of recognition and avoidance of discrimination.  I am sure that in the case of Broadstone Middle School an overwhelming number of parents would support the school in having a uniform policy.  In making changes, governing bodies are advised to consult Headteachers, staff and parents fully on the matter.

In respect of the Human Rights issue, the governing body will consider all the views being expressed, including possible human rights implications.

In the world today there are many serious abuses of Human Rights.  In the scheme of things this is not one of them.”

Marilyn Warden, Headteacher at Broadstone Middle School, said, “We are receiving a number of responses regarding the proposed change to the school dress code.  Some are supportive and some express various concerns in relation to girls expressing their femininity, hygiene and the level of consultation carried out.  I would like to reassure parents that all their views will be considered by the governing body.

We of course welcome views expressed by all of our pupils and will be having a formal discussion with a representative group.

I am working with governors, parents and pupils to resolve the matter as soon as possible to the satisfaction of the school community.”

Note: there is no established case law to the effect that a maintained school can or cannot legally compel its pupils to wear a specific school uniform.

Ruth Lawson, Corporate Communications, tel: (01202) 633029