Trousers for Girls! (updated)

It is that time of year when lots of children will be preparing for the move to senior school in September. For most Audlem St James' pupils that means preparing to start at Brine Leas High School in Nantwich.

New blazers, new ties and shiny new shoes will be the order of the day and the Brine Leas uniform policy has been the subject of some debate for the past year or so. Somewhat surprisingly in 2009, girls are denied the opportunity to choose to wear trousers and must wear the school skirt – come rain or shine, snow or sleet!

However, following a campaign by some parents (including some from Audlem), the uniform policy is set to change – trousers for girls will be introduced from October half term (after a period of consultation to choose the type/style of trouser).

The issue went to the School Governing Body three times before the change was agreed but in the end the legal and governmental advice added to the weight of parental feeling (75% in favour in a survey) persuaded the Governors to change the policy.

Audlem Online adds that the above article was written by the parent of a Brine Leas pupil. We have since received the following from the school. After studying both the original story, and considering the fact that the article has been live on Audlem Online for some hours, we believe it is better not to retract the article but to publish the comments from the school, as below:

“I was disappointed to read the inaccurate article 'Trousers for Girls' this morning on your website.
My disappointment is based around three key points.

-Brine Leas High school was not contacted to verify the information as presented this morning
-The date quoted for a change to the uniform policy is inaccurate.
-The message to all parents who access your superb community site will lead to unnecessary confusion and concern at a time when contact with the school becomes difficult over the summer break.

Brine Leas School will communicate the finalised agreed changes to the uniform policy (including full details of style and suppliers) with parents when a full review of all available clothing items had been completed in tandem with both students and parents. The change will be made at the earliest after the October half term and at the latest by January 2010.

With these points in mind I would appreciate it if you would retract this article and work with us to offer information to your viewers.

Yours faithfully

S P Ascroft
Deputy Headteacher”

This article is from our news archive. As a result pictures or videos originally associated with it may have been removed and some of the content may no longer be accurate or relevant.