A decision by the Co-op Academies Trust to ban girls from wearing skirts has ignited parental fury, with some accusing the school chain of implementing a "woke" and "sexist" policy. The trust, which operates 14 secondary schools with approximately 22,000 students across the Midlands and north of England, mandated plain black tailored trousers for all pupils at the start of the new school year this week.
Some parents have voiced strong opposition, claiming their daughters were left in tears and upset after being told they could not attend lessons in skirts. Alice Jones recounted her 11-year-old daughter Millie's experience on her first day of secondary school, stating that a staff member allegedly prevented her from entering lessons until she changed into trousers. Jones described the policy as "disgusting" and "sexist," arguing that her daughter, who identifies as a girl, should have the option to wear a skirt.
Samantha Scholes, whose daughters attend Co-op Academy Failsworth, reported that her older daughters were "in tears" over the new rules. She expressed concern that a child could be denied access to education over a uniform issue and criticized the blanket policy's impact on pupils, particularly those with confidence or body image issues. Another parent, Samantha Gallier, noted that her daughter reluctantly wore trousers but felt she "looked like a boy," calling the new rule "sexist and discriminatory."
The Co-op Academies Trust defended its decision, stating the change reflects a commitment to "active learning, student wellbeing and a practical, comfortable school day." A trust spokesperson initially claimed the response to dropping skirts had been "largely positive," adding that trousers are practical for educational and professional settings and that the move aligns with national trends towards gender-neutral uniforms. The trust also suggested the policy would help reduce overall uniform costs for families by eliminating the need to purchase tights and limiting branded items.
However, the trust later issued a statement clarifying that no child was refused entry or prevented from attending lessons for wearing a skirt. The trust explained that the trousers-only policy, communicated in April 2026, aims for a simpler, more affordable, and consistent uniform offer. Schools were prepared to support students who arrived in skirts, offering a choice of four different trouser styles free of charge to ensure no disruption to learning. The trust asserted that the overwhelming majority of parents support the policy and that concerns are being reported inaccurately, distinguishing between being asked to comply with a uniform policy and being denied education.
Co-op Academy Failsworth recently achieved its best-ever GCSE results, and the trust stated that the uniform changes have saved parents an average of 38 percent on uniform costs. The trust maintains its focus on creating a comfortable, inclusive, and positive learning environment for all students.