CONCERNS that a school’s uniform has become ‘increasingly sexualised’ have led to a consultation being launched over proposed changes.

Ysgol Clywedog in Wrexham is asking for views on what pupils should wear as a result of a number of issues being highlighted, including skirt lengths and youngsters dressing in leggings.

The secondary school said some students had also complained that the current uniform was not mature or aspirational enough.

The move follows a recent report which shows that more than one in three girls in the UK have received unwanted sexual attention while wearing their uniform in public.

Girls’ rights charity Plan International said incidents brought to its attention included cases of youngsters being groped, followed or wolf-whistled.

In a newsletter, the school said: “For some time, many concerns have been raised by a range of stakeholders regarding the current school uniform that has culminated in this decision to undertake a review.

“The most significant issues surround inappropriate and increasingly sexualised dress amongst some students, which includes skirt length, trouser length, leggings and jeggings as well as the increasing incidence of embellishments such as gold zips.

“General feedback from staff, governors, parents and students indicates a clear desire to retain the traditional blue colour scheme, however the current uniform is not sufficiently aspirational or smart.

“Concerns have been raised on many occasions by parents and staff regarding the overall appearance of students, being particularly evident in school events and most notably during external events when students go out into the community.

“Feedback from some students indicates that the current uniform is often likened to that of a primary school and is perceived to be insufficiently mature or aspirational.”

The Ruthin Road-based school has now planning to follow in the footsteps of several others in the area by replacing sweatshirts with blazers.

Parents have also indicated that the affordability and durability of uniform remains a key factor.

The school added: “On the basis of this initial discussions we have published an initial survey for students, parents, staff and governors.

“We hope to ascertain the initial views of all stakeholders in order that they are active participants in deciding if there is a need to change, and if so, in shaping the uniform of the future.”

A link to the survey can be found on the school’s website.

It intends to put formal proposals forward in September next year, once all feedback has been considered.