A row over a petition to have trousers included in the uniform policy of a school in Wirral has sparked a talking point among readers.
While many agreed that trousers should be allowed at Wirral Grammar School for Girls, some took issue with the way it had played out.
In a letter to parents, headteacher Elaine Cogan said a pupil had set up a petition before speaking to her, which she said was "unacceptable" behaviour and that public action would not force the Board of Governors to make a decision immediately stating: "This is not how change takes place."
The petition, which has over 2,500 signatures, reads: "Wirral Grammar School for Girls is the only school on the Wirral which doesn’t allow girls to wear trousers to school."
Commenting on our Facebook page, Julie Evans said: "I think the point being made is there is a proper channel to follow and that the Governing Body need to be involved in any change and it appears it is already being reviewed so the pupil should have asked the question first."
Samantha Williams appeared to agree with the sentiment and said: "The head has stated the uniform policy is already being reviewed by the board. The "unacceptable behaviour" is the pupil who started the petition not even speaking to her before doing so."
But Ian Millar said: "Exactly how does the Head expect change to happen. One child knocking on her door asking means nothing, 2,500 signatures has some weight of feeling behind it."
There were others who felt parents and pupils alike are aware of such policies before deciding to attend a school, Jo-Anne Lewis said: "Surely they knew the school policy before enrolling their children there."
Many responded that there can still be rule changes to policies and people don't solely choose a school based on uniform policy.
Jenny Coath said: "People do not choose schools because of uniform policies, they choose them because of results, this school is selective and children gain a place through passing exams.
"I went here 30 years ago and remember bringing this issue up then, the governors and head would never change their stance without the wider public involvement and I applaud the child who had the guts and determination to see real change by setting up this petition."
And some felt they should just update the uniform policy straight away and move on, Andrew David Mallard said: "Just let them, there are more important things Heads of schools should be thinking about."
Simon Smith added: "Why the hell are we still having to have this conversation it's 2021, not 1921. Just let them wear trousers."
And Stephanie Alexandra pointed out some practical issues from some schools moving forward even if they do allow trousers, she said: "In my old high school they didn't allow trousers until I was in third year. Hardly anybody wore them as it was so hard to find bottle green trousers."
