King’s Leadership Academy in Liverpool has updated its uniform policy to require girls wearing skirts to wear black tights all year round instead of socks, sparking anger from parents
A Liverpool school has banned students wearing socks with skirts and insisted on black tights all year round. King’s Leadership Academy in Liverpool has recently revised its uniform policy in an effort to establish a “more consistent” look across the school.
However, some parents have voiced their annoyance with the new policy on skirts and foot clothing. An additional rule means girls at the school are required to keep their hair tied back at all times.
One parent wrote on social media: “Anyone’s kids attend King’s Leadership Academy Liverpool? We’ve had an email to say the girls can no longer wear socks and have to wear tights all year round.
“I’m sorry but why is it even a rule? So the only part of their body they can show is their head and hands? I’m sorry, but it is not happening,” reports the Liverpool Echo.
Another parent commented: “It’s a joke. Sorry my kid won’t be wearing tights either, she’s hated them since she was a kid.”
In a response to the ECHO, Scott Cordon, the Principal at King’s Leadership Academy Liverpool said: “We’re updating our uniform policy to create a professional, more consistent appearance across the school.”
He then revealed a statement from the school’s Student Parliament representatives who outlined that they have been part of conversations regarding the academy’s uniform requirements.
The pupils said: “We understand that some may see uniform rules as a small issue, but for us they play an important role in creating a professional learning environment where everyone feels part of the same community.
“The changes are designed to make expectations clearer and more consistent for all students. For students who choose to wear a skirt, the expectation is now that plain black tights are worn.
“Students also have the option of wearing tailored school trousers, meaning families can choose the option that works best for them while still meeting the academy’s uniform standards.
“We believe this helps create a professional and more consistent appearance across the school.”
The statement added: “The expectation for hair to be tied back during the school day is about professionalism and practicality. We know that tied-back hair helps maintain a neat appearance and is important in practical lessons where health and safety must come first.”
One pupil representative said: “School uniforms should be professional at all times and tights appear to be more presentable. Hair should be tied back not only for professional reasons but also for health and safety reasons.” Other representatives expressed their belief that the alterations “create a more professional look across the academy” and assist in ensuring students present themselves in a manner that mirrors the values and standards of our school community.
The student statement further stated: “As students, we want the focus of the school day to be on learning, leadership and achievement. Clear and consistent uniform expectations help reduce confusion, ensure fairness and allow everyone to concentrate on what matters most – being successful in school and preparing for our futures.”
King’s Leadership Academy is a member of the Great Schools Trust. Last year it was recognised as one of the most improved schools in the country.