Boys wear skirts to school to protest no shorts rule during heatwave

Dozens of teenage boys have worn skirts to school in protest at not being allowed to wear shorts in hot weather.

The boys wore tartan kilts over their shorts at the Isca Academy in Exeter, Devon, in opposition to having to wear long trousers.

A Devon County Council spokesman said none of the boys were reprimanded and no one was put in "isolation" or given detention for wearing a skirt.

Teen Josh Baxter said: "I wore a skirt yesterday and was told to take it off because I had hairy legs."

Another boy added: "I liked wearing it yesterday. It was a nice breeze."

Parents have criticised the 'inflexible' uniform policy Credit: SWNS

Headteacher Aimee Mitchell said she was happy to consider changing the uniform policy in hot weather in the future, but needed to consult students and families first.

"We recognise that the last few days have been exceptionally hot and we are doing our utmost to enable both students and staff to remain as comfortable as possible," she said.

The boys borrowed skirts from their sisters and friends Credit: SWNS

"Shorts are not currently part of our uniform for boys and I would not want to make any changes without consulting both students and their families.

"However, with hotter weather becoming more normal, I would be happy to consider a change for the future and will talk to families and staff further about this in the coming weeks."

Miss Mitchell said that pupils and staff would be allowed to remove their ties and undo top buttons.

During lessons, shirts could also be untucked, but had to be tucked in at the end of lessons.