A Liverpool academy school is ruling that girls who wear skirts must do so with tights as part of a “more consistent” uniform policy
King’s Leadership Academy, Dingle(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Parents and readers were sharply divided after a Liverpool school explained why pupils who wear skirts will no longer be allowed to pair them with socks, with black tights now required throughout the year. King’s Leadership Academy Liverpool, based in Dingle, recently updated its uniform policy in a bid to create a “professional, more consistent appearance” across the school.
Under the revised rules, students who choose to wear skirts must now wear plain black tights, although tailored school trousers remain an alternative option. The academy has also introduced a requirement for girls to keep their hair tied back during the school day.
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 shared a statement from the school’s Student Parliament representatives who explained that they have been involved in discussions about the academy’s uniform expectations.
The students 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.
King’s Leadership Academy in Dingle(Image: Liverpool Echo)
“Students also have the option of wearing tailored school trousers, meaning families can choose the option that works best for them whilst 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.”
The changes, which the school says are aimed at creating a professional appearance, sparked a lively debate on social media, with many parents questioning the practicality of wearing tights throughout the year.
One parent wrote: “It’s a joke. Sorry, my kid won’t be wearing tights either, she’s hated them since she was a kid.”
Another added: “This is ludicrous. Imagine it being the height of summer and being made to wear thick tights? Hot and uncomfortable.”
Several commenters also raised concerns about the additional cost for families already struggling with school expenses.
Sarah Hamilton said: “Parents struggle with the cost of uniform now and we have to buy tights that will be about £10 a pair. It’s a joke.”
Others questioned why socks had been singled out in the first place.
Caroline Mulvey commented: “It’s utterly ridiculous. Why are they banning socks? Are they a danger to society?”
Andrea Hickey added: “Maybe get the teachers to wear tights too every day and see how they would feel.”
Some readers also argued the policy sent the wrong message to girls.
Hayley Marie wrote: “Preparing for our futures? That’s the worry. Forcing the girls to cover up is shocking. I’m all for skirts being an appropriate length but making them wear tights is going too far.”
Joyce Cooper echoed concerns about comfort, saying: “Wearing tights in summer though. They can be unhygienic and uncomfortable. They are going too far.”
However, not everyone opposed the move.
Some commenters backed the school’s right to set its own uniform standards and praised the involvement of student representatives in the decision-making process.
One reader said: “I think this is a great idea – and the student representatives are driving it. Why not aim to be the best and the most professional?”
Another wrote: “Whenever a school tries to enforce any rule there is a parent ready to exclaim it’s a joke. If you don’t like the rules, you’re free to choose another school.”
Others argued the wider issue was school uniform policy itself rather than the specific tights requirement.
One commenter said: “I agree with uniform, but today’s school uniforms are from a bygone era. There will also be children with sensory issues who may struggle with some clothing requirements.”
King’s Leadership Academy is part of the Great Schools Trust. Last year it was named as one of the most improved schools in the country.