A Welsh secondary school has banned its girls from wearing skirts in an “equality” push that will see all pupils adopting trousers.
Brynteg School in Bridgend, which has around 1,600 students, confirmed the new policy will come into effect at the start of the next academic year in September.
The South Wales school claimed the move will save parents money due to trousers being considered more weather-resistant, adding the measure is being put in place for “practicality, equity and the realities of family life”.
In a letter announcing the decision to parents, it said: “A single, streamlined uniform reduces pressure on families, removes unnecessary distinctions and ensures every pupil can feel comfortable and confident.
“This is a positive step forward for Brynteg: simpler for parents and carers, more practical for pupils and fully in keeping with the inclusive values we stand for.”
However, not all parents were pleased with the freshly unveiled policy.
One mother, who asked to remain anonymous, told The Telegraph: “I’m concerned about the financial and sustainability implications.
“I would prefer a phased approach so we just replace the uniform as it’s outgrown, which is what my child’s primary school did when they changed their uniform policy.”
A Welsh secondary school has banned female students from wearing skirts in an ‘equality’ push (file photo)
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She added: “School uniform is expensive and this seems wasteful.”
The new uniform policy was ushered in following a consultation with pupils and an all-girls school focus group.
It also received the backing of governors.
Brynteg School insisted the new uniforms will be “fully reflective of the needs of modern pupils”.
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Brynteg School confirmed the new policy will come into effect at the start of the next academic year
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A Welsh Government spokesman said: “Our statutory guidance on school uniform policy says that affordability should be a priority and pupils, families and the wider community should be consulted when changes to the policy are considered.
“Our School Essentials Grant helps lower-income families with the purchase of uniforms and equipment and has helped more than 90 per cent of eligible learners with school costs.”
The South Wales school is not the only one to push forward with a gender-neutral new uniform.
Newhouse Academy in Greater Manchester urged parents “not to buy skirts” after announcing in July 2025 that it would be rolling out a ban on the garment.
The National Education Union has been one of the leading voices in support of gender-neutral school uniforms
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GETTYThe move sparked furious backlash from parents, who accused the school of disregarding “female students and their right to express their femininity”.
However, the school affirmed that only a “small number of people” had voiced opposition to the measure, adding it had “worked well at other schools”.
The National Education Union has been one of the leading voices in support of gender-neutral school uniforms.
The teachers’ union has argued it will help challenge gender stereotypes, improve concentration in the classroom and ease anxiety for students.