SECONDARY school pupils at Appleton Academy in Wyke will no longer be allowed to wear skirts.

In a letter to parents, the school said the change to policy would be in force from September. Exceed Academies Trust, which runs the school, said the change was approved by Governors at the last meeting of the Board.

The Trust told the Telegraph & Argus: "A letter has been sent to parents this week and will be followed up before the end of the year informing of this change, in order to allow families as much time as possible to prepare for the start of the new school year.

"The minor policy change means that, from September 2019, the uniform for all secondary pupils is changing to trousers only.

"There are a number of reasons for this change; it is gender neutral in line with the policy in the majority of secondary schools, it simplifies the uniform and it removes the issue of pupils wearing skirts that are an inappropriate length.

"In response to the policy change, the reaction from our pupils has been very mature; they have calmly asked the reason behind the decision and politely accepted the explanation provided.

"The majority of parents have responded with positive feedback and are supportive of the change and understand the reasons for it."

The Trust added: "Parents have been reminded of the ways in which they can contact the school if they have a concern and we will happily support them with this change in the lead up to the end of the school year.

"A series of assemblies will be held fully informing pupils of this minor change to uniform and an additional letter will go to parents before the end of the year."