We are told that the uniform is meant to make the school feel like a community, and to put all students on an equal footing. So why are girls and boys made to wear different things? 

 Many girls would be much more comfortable wearing shorts, because they are more comfortable physically. The skirt can restrict girls who may want to be active during lunch or interval. It can also make it more difficult to cycle to school.

 It will also make students, whether they are gender diverse or not, able to express themselves more freely while still respecting the MAGS uniform rules. For example, some boys would like to be able to wear a stud earring, same as the girls. 

At Botany Downs Secondary School in Auckland, boys were not allowed to wear earrings until a student at the school presented it to the board.