Salford school bans girls from wearing knee-high socks, sparks outrage

A mother in Salford has withdrawn her daughter from Irlam and Cadishead Academy due to a controversial uniform policy that prohibits girls from wearing knee-high socks. The school recently changed its uniform requirements, mandating ankle socks instead, a decision reportedly made in response to requests from many female students. This change has sparked outrage among some parents and students, who feel it may lead to inappropriate pressures on young girls regarding personal grooming and safety. Wendy Allsop, the mother who pulled her daughter Olivia out of school, expressed concerns about the implications of the new policy, particularly for younger students who may feel compelled to shave their legs. She highlighted the potential risks of exposing young girls to the elements while walking to school, emphasizing the need for protective clothing. The Family Education Trust echoed these sentiments, arguing that school uniforms should be age-appropriate and not sexualize children. The academy has defended its decision, stating that the change was trialed last academic year and communicated to parents through letters and the Parent Handbook. They noted that most students complied with the new uniform on the first day of term and that alternative options like tights or trousers were available. Despite the backlash, the school reported no complaints from students regarding the uniform change. The situation has raised questions about the role of parental consultation in school uniform policies and the impact of such changes on students' well-being. As the debate continues, the academy's reputation, which had recently improved according to Ofsted, may be at stake as it navigates this controversy.