As people know, the school is proposing a change in the uniform rules to adhere to the government’s new policy, saying that there are only four branded items allowed: tie, blazer, PE kit and the school jumper.  However, from September 2026, students aren’t allowed to wear skirts or blouses, meaning everyone in the school would  have to wear trousers, a shirt and a tie.

By changing the uniform so drastically, it makes it difficult for both girls and their parents: economically, socially and environmentally.

This proposal clearly targets girls, as the boys’ uniform would not be affected and, therefore, APS is directly discriminating against girls.

Economically:

• By changing the uniform, parents are now expected to pay for brand new uniforms, which are extremely expensive.
• Parents are expected to replace the blouses and skirts, when there is no specific need.
• This is particularly unfair for years that don’t have that long left at this school as they will only use the new uniform for a year or so.

Identity/Social:

• Without having the choice between a skirt and trousers, it limits students from having the ability to express themselves.
• It also teaches girls to hide their bodies and gives the wrong impression to our generation, feeding into old fashioned ideas that girl’s bodies are inherently sexual and should therefore be covered up. 
• This can make young women feel ashamed of their femininity and enforces the notion that girls should hide themselves because their “body is inappropriate or distracting”.
• In addition, in today’s society, young girls and women deal with many insecurities like body image; the rule to change the girls uniform can affect their mental health as it could show their body in a way they’re uncomfortable with, such as tight fitted shirts.
• Girls should be able to choose whether they want to wear a skirt, trousers or shorts, as in the real world, and the workplace, women and men are able to decide for themselves what they wear.

Environmental:

• By getting rid of skirts and blouses, this policy wastes money, material and impacts the environment. 
• The school constantly promotes sustainability, but this new rule would go against everything they’ve told us to support.
• As the clothes are branded, you wouldn’t wear them anywhere else apart from APS; banning them wastes perfectly good money, and causes clothes in good condition to go to landfills.

We are aware that the government is making schools choose four branded items but, as the trousers are not branded, it should only be fair that the skirts are the same. 

We believe that the school should be more concentrated on the students wellbeing and education. They should focus more on making sure each student has the mental stability to learn, rather than what they wear whilst learning. The students at APS would benefit more from the school actively creating a positive learning environment compared to this change to the uniform.

By signing this petition, you are agreeing that this rule is unfair and are willing to help us stop this from occurring.

Thank you.