Proposal for a Bill on the right to choose to wear trousers in school

Overview

The Committee for Education is bringing forward a proposal for a law to allow all pupils to wear trousers at school, so that this becomes a universal right.

The Committee has worked extensively on the issue of school uniforms this year. It has heard a very strong appeal for this change and considers this an important issue which has a very significant impact on daily life in school.

 For the most part, girls do not currently have the right to choose to wear trousers (or shorts) to school, so they are the pupils in question. 

The Committee is aware that uniform can impact mental well-being, self-esteem, safety, and self-expression, as well as factors such as physical comfort, modesty and dignity, participation and appearance-related criticisms. The right to choose to wear trousers seems to address many of these issues.

We would like to hear your views on our idea.