Petition to the Northern Education Trust: Reinstate Skirts as a School Uniform Option

We, the undersigned, respectfully urge the Northern Education Trust to reinstate skirts as an optional part of the school uniform. The recent decision to remove skirts from the approved dress code has raised significant concerns among students, parents, and members of the wider community.

This policy change risks disproportionately affecting certain groups of students and may contravene the principles set out in the Equality Act 2010, which requires schools to avoid policies that result in indirect discrimination on the basis of protected characteristics such as sex, disability, and religion or belief.

For example, some students may experience discomfort or additional challenges when required to wear trousers—particularly those with medical conditions involving heavy periods, those with disabilities or sensory sensitivities (including neurodivergent students), and those whose cultural or religious beliefs require modest dress. A uniform policy that fails to take these needs into account may be viewed as discriminatory if it creates a disadvantage for individuals with protected characteristics.

Removing the option to wear skirts may inadvertently exclude or disadvantage some students, compromising their wellbeing, dignity, and ability to participate fully in school life.

We believe that students should be allowed a reasonable choice in how they express themselves within the framework of a smart and respectful uniform policy. Offering both trousers and skirts as options supports body autonomy, personal comfort, and equality, while still upholding the high standards expected by the Trust. A blanket ban on skirts could impact on the ability of students to dress in a way that allows them to express their gender identify. The Trust could also consider skorts as an option in the policy.

We call on the Northern Education Trust to reconsider this policy and engage in open dialogue with students and families—including a formal consultation with all parents and students—to ensure the uniform reflects both the values of the Trust and the diverse needs of the school community.

Secondary schools in the North East impacted:

Thorp Academy, Ryton
The Blyth Academy
Dyke House Academy, Hartlepool
Farringdon Community Academy, Sunderland
Hetton Academy, Sunderland
Thornaby Academy
Walbottle Academy
Manor Community Academy, Hartlepool
Red House Academy, Sunderland
North Shore Academy, Stockton-on-Tees
Grangefield Academy, Stockton-on-Tees