In an effort to root out 'unfairness' Exmouth Community College has introduced new uniform rules which require girls' skirts to be no shorter than 22 inches in length.

The new uniform rules were set out in a letter to parents and carers from the college's principal and mean that from September students' skirts should 'sit on or just below the knee'.

According to the college while some students have always worn appropriate skirts and trousers, others have 'chosen to continually wear skirts and trousers which are not appropriate for school".

After discussions with students, parents and governors the college has decided to change its uniform policy from September this year.

Principal Andrew Davis told parents and carers: "For several years now the College has attempted to have a uniform which allowed students choice about the skirts and trousers they could wear.

"Unfortunately, during this time, while some students have continued to wear appropriate skirts and trousers, others, often despite the best endeavours of their parents and carers as well as staff, have chosen to continually wear skirts and trousers which are not appropriate for school.

"This has led to feelings of unfairness for some students, pressure to wear increasingly short skirts for some girls and arguments with parents and carers about which skirts or trousers are fashionable in preparation for the school restarting every September."

Last year the college piloted grey skirts and trousers for Year 7 students. The feedback from the pilot was 'largely positive' although there were some issues with the quality of the garments and the manufacturer, Banner, committed to replacing any skirts or trousers that split.

According to the college Banner was chosen as the school's uniform manufacturer 'for not only its durability and value for money,' but also because the manufacturer is the only school wear provider approved Sedex member which is committed to ensuring ethical trading and fair conditions for its workforce.

In conclusion Mr Davis said: "We will only be allowing a skirt length of 22 inches which should sit on or just below the knee. In addition, trousers must be long enough to reach your child's shoe so that socks aren't visible.

"We believe that this slight change to our uniform policy will mean that there is greater consistency and fairness with regard to the uniform that all students are expected to wear and that both students and their parents and carers will feel under less pressure to choose something which is fashionable rather than practical."

If you would like to find out more about the college's new uniform rules, click the red button below.