A 15-year-old student at Co-op Academy in Blackley, UK, was sent home for allegedly not wearing tights on a day with record-breaking June temperatures, causing her to miss a French mock exam. Her mother, who has chosen to remain anonymous, stated that her daughter arrived at school wearing a skirt, socks, and shorts underneath, opting against tights due to the soaring heat.
According to the mother, the student was at the school for no more than 15 minutes before being told to leave. Teachers reportedly insisted that tights are mandatory for students wearing skirts. The school's response, as relayed by the mother, was that girls should wear trousers instead of adhering to the skirt and tights policy. This differs from other Co-op academies, which reportedly relaxed uniform policies to allow for PE kits during the heatwave.
The student's mother, 34, explained that her daughter travels over an hour and a half to attend the school from Oldham. She has since contacted the school to arrange for her daughter to only attend for scheduled exams and then return home immediately, citing her daughter's history of heatstroke.
In a communication to parents titled 'temporary changes to uniform,' the school stated that blazers and ties were not required for the remainder of the week. The update also mentioned, "Students who normally wear skirts and tights are encouraged to wear school trousers, if they have them." Greater Manchester was under an Amber weather warning for extreme heat, with temperatures expected to reach 33C (91.4F).
In related news, over 1,000 schools across the country closed due to concerns about the impact of the heat. Looking ahead, starting in September, all Co-op Academies Trust secondary schools will implement a single school uniform policy, requiring girls to wear trousers instead of skirts. This upcoming change will affect several Co-op Academy locations, including Walkden, Swinton, North Manchester, Manchester, Failsworth, and Belle Vue.
A spokesperson for Co-op Academy Manchester confirmed that temporary uniform adjustments were made in response to the high temperatures, allowing students to attend without blazers, jumpers, or ties. The spokesperson added that students normally wearing skirts and tights were encouraged to wear school trousers if available to ensure comfort. The school emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment and supporting student well-being, noting that uniform expectations are communicated clearly and that the school works with families to address concerns.