31 May 2025
A St Albans secondary school is introducing new branded skirts in order to stop female students from rolling them up to often indecent lengths.
The Marlborough Science Academy will enforce the wearing of skirts featuring their initials around the waistband from the start of the autumn term in September.
Headteacher Annie Thomson said the school has become concerned about the lengths some girls were choosing to wear their skirts, which has put staff into sensitive and challenging situations.
“We have tried to deal with this as sensitively and as consistently as possible, but it is becoming increasingly challenging as well as discouraging.
“Uniform is important, it instils a sense of community, supports learning in understanding how to live by the rules, and despite the overwhelming view held by some students that uniform doesn’t affect learning, it does!
“Deliberately ignoring the rules causes unnecessary conflict, it is a waste of learning time and as a school we have had enough.”
She said the branded skirts will prevent students from rolling them up, and they are being introduced following consultation with the student parliament, who understand the thinking behind the decision.
Female students are already allowed to wear trousers if they choose, and discount on the purchase of the new skirts will be offered to any families in receipt of free school meals or in financial hardship.
Ms Thomson has asked parents and carers to support this policy, and added: “We need to recalibrate and restore dignity and smartness to the school.”
