PARENTS are angry at a school’s decision to ban all pupils from wearing skirts.

Priory School in Lewes forced all pupils to wear trousers in 2017 after “concerns” were raised over the length of skirts and to cater to their transgender pupils.

The decision bans all female pupils from wearing skirts.

At the time, the school said that only new students would be required to wear the new uniform.

But it has now announced that all students, not just newcomers, will be required to wear the “gender neutral” uniform.

A post on the school’s website states: “From September 2019, all Priory Students will be required to wear our updated uniform.

“This uniform has been designed specifically in response to the many issues and suggestions raised by parents, students and school staff.

“Specifically, it addresses the current issues of inequality and decency.

“We hope that it will provide a smart, comfortable and affordable alternative to the current uniform.”

Parents of year 11 pupils are frustrated that they will have to pay out for the new uniform.

It is expected to cost about £90 and pupils will wear it for 150 school days.

One parent of a year 11 pupil, a mental health nurse who asked not to be named, said: “The school said at the time that the older children wouldn’t have to buy it and it would be phased in.

“That seemed sensible.

“I think that if my daughter was going into year ten I would be happier to buy it.

“But I’ve told the school I’m not buying it and I’m making a stand.”

An online petition to “stop Priory school from forcing everyone to wear trousers” has been signed by 132 people.

One signer said: “This is about choice.

“In what other walk of life is it thought inappropriate for girls to wear skirts.

“Yet another way of controlling I think.”

A legal letter, which has been sent to the school, is threatening to take the decision to Judicial Review.

It states it is unreasonable to implement a change of uniform with no transition period.

The letter argues the decision is discriminatory because it affects girls and their parents disproportionately. And that the decision is “irrational” because it conflicts with the town council’s climate emergency policy, as the new uniforms will create a larger carbon footprint.

The letter gives the school until the end of the month to respond.

The Argus contacted the school for comment on the last day of term but the school did not reply.