Transgender girls and boys are not currently allowed to go to the grammar schools that resonate with their gender identity in Folkestone.

The options are to go to a single sex grammar school that fits with their birth gender, where they stick out, suffer or get bullied; to attend a state school and thus deprive themselves entirely of the grammar school opportunities they have worked so hard for simply because of their gender; or to suffer a long commute to go to a mixed grammar school (there are only six mixed grammars in Kent - none are located in the south of the county). This latter option also prevents them from being able to forge and enjoy local friendships.

This discrimination has to change. In 2024, transgender individuals (and their parents) should not have their wellbeing compromised or fear for their safety because they are forced to go to a school that they don’t fit into. Schools are supposed to be safe spaces where students can feel confident and thrive academically, socially and mentally. They should be able to choose to go to a school where they feel they belong.

There may need to be adjustments made to schools, more privacy in changing rooms, for example, but upgrades such as these would benefit all students in these schools.

There are no clear government laws or guidelines that dictate that trans people can only attend single-sex schools according to biological gender. 

I hope you agree that trans people have been through enough torment and discrimination, that their school choices have a big impact on their academic and personal success way into the future, and I hope you’ll help fight for transgender rights in the grammar school system, in Kent and in the country more widely.

Please sign today and make Folkestone a better and happier place for transgender youth.