Skirts are a barrier to a student's movement and learning

It sounds very provocative but skirts worn by school girls can be a barrier to academic excellence. I might have said that the wrong way but the fact is that skirts are impractical and it has been found that freedom to engage in physical activities enhances the learning process. Clearly the classic schoolgirl uniform is a barrier to physical activities without wishing to put too fine a point on it.

And I'm told in The Times that primary schools that have ditched traditional uniforms both in respect of boys and girls but mainly girls as mentioned above, are reporting improvements in academic attainment, well-being and attendance.

This has prompted calls for a rethink about school uniforms. It is stated that a much better uniform would be one which is entirely practical and is in effect a sports uniform designed for activity; in short 'activewear'.

This is been found by Dame Dorothy primary school in Sunderland where the children wear an "always active" uniform. It was introduced two years ago with support from the Youth Sport Trust.

The uniform consists of practical weather-appropriate sportswear which is worn throughout the day.

The changing uniform reflected the school's long-standing commitment of physical activity and pupil health.

The head teacher, Iain Williamson said: "We have the children running outside every day during curriculum time, we have lots of activities on offer in the yard. So the question was, are they dressed and equipped to run safely and to be comfortable outside in the colder weather, and to take part and make use of all the apparatus? We encourage pupils to be active throughout the day, and the uniform was the final piece of the jigsaw."

Evidence demonstrates that traditional uniforms can restrict children's movement particular for girls.

A Cambridge University study published in 2025 analysed data from more than 1 million pupils across 135 countries. It found that in places where formal school uniforms are widely required fewer children met the World Health Organisation's recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity.

Traditional uniforms curb activity levels. It said that the female students feel less confident doing things such as riding a bike or doing cartwheels when wearing a skirt or dress.

When girls join activities at playtime attendance levels improve. It is said that prioritising well-being through movement could improve behaviour attendance and academic achievement.

Personally, I have always thought that schoolgirls should not be wearing short skirts. It is basically sexualising them. And they do this willingly. It seems that they want to be sexualised which must detract from academic excellence. It must detract from studying and focusing on studying. Uniforms must be entirely practical so that the student's minds can be entirely focused on the work at hand.

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P.S. please forgive the occasional typo. These articles are written at breakneck speed using Dragon Dictate. I have to prepare them in around 20 mins. Also, sources for news articles are carefully selected but the news is often not independently verified. And, I rely on scientific studies but they are not 100% reliable. Finally, (!) I often express an OPINION on the news. Please share yours in a comment.