On Monday 1st November, Bedminster Down School implemented their school uniform policy of no leggings for girls.  Although parents were supplied with notice that leggings would no longer be acceptable after this date, the information regarding what was acceptable in the form of a trouser was not clear. Bedminster Down will say leggings were NEVER allowed, however for many years girls were able to wear them daily with no consequence. 

Following the return to school in September, many girls continued to wear what they were comfortable in until their parents prepared for the 1st November. Many girls opted for a trouser flare as this is trendy at the moment and widely available in stores or a tube skirt and tights. Most girls wore these to school with no issues raised and parents then purchased further pairs in readiness for 1st November. 

It wasn’t until a few days before the deadline that the school then sent an updated list of what was and was not acceptableoutlining that a trouser flare or tube skirt was not allowed. This infuriated a lot of parents who had purchased many pairs. 

There has been conflicting information regarding what trousers are acceptable relating to pockets, buttons, material, style. 

Surely if the girls are wearing black trousers of any style then this should be good enough. They are in school, willing to learn and are being penalised for their attire. 

The girls should be able to wear what they are comfortable in, irrelevant of the material or shape. 

During the week commencing 10/11/25 not only did teachers spend an incredible amount of time phoning parents instead of teaching our children, they also took children out of lessons gathering them in the library for periods of time. They were made to wear wristbands which identified them as having trouser issues. Some students were asked to share their clothing size, or have the label of their trousers looked at. This is not appropriate in school and can lead to other problems down the line with bullying or confidence. 

Some children were asked to try on trousers in the toilets at school even if they weren’t comfortable in doing so, in order that the school could order them a trouser. Again this is disgraceful. The girls should be able to try on at home away from school, with their parent who can decide if they are appropriate or not. 

Why is pressure being placed on our children over trousers. Some children have worn the same pair for many days which have been approved by many teachers, but then one teacher may disagree and sanction them for it. Again, what is an allowed trouser?! 

Bedminster Down School have now threatened that any child wearing the incorrect trouser to school on Monday 17thNovember will be sent home. 

Perhaps the school should focus on teaching our children instead of trying to remove them from their school environment on the basis of a button missing off their trouser or the wrong material. 

Some of the children spoken with have explained their sensory issues and have still been ignored. 

Please sign this petition to support a request that the uniform policy is reviewed to allow our children to have a voice and to attend school in what they are comfortable in as long as they are wearing black and it is sensible.