A secondary school in Bolton has made a huge change to its uniform policy after being approached by a pupil.

Westhoughton High School is allowing boys and girls to wear shorts in the summer.

It is also allowing girls the option to wear trousers.

The change comes after a suggest by a new Year Seven pupil during a transition evenin.

As well as practical the change is also designed to make the uniform affordable and gender neutral.

Headteacher Neil Coe said: “We have considered this along with some other changes over this academic year and decided that it was a very sensible request.

“The change came as part of a wider approach to ensure that our uniform was both affordable and gender neutral.

“There is no assignment of gender to any uniform item now, anyone can wear appropriate tailored shorts for school.”

One of the biggest impact from the change e will mean that it will make the summer months more  bearable for the pupils.

The new policy has been implemented immediately, although the benefits will be felt more during the summer months.

Mr Cole added: “Some parts of our building are really warm in the summer months.

“Adding shorts gives an option to keep cool that may suit all members of our school.

“It's been much cooler since we introduced the change.

“I haven't actually seen anyone in shorts yet, but if it is warm in September, I expect a few of our learners may make that choice.”

So far Mr Cole says that parents ‘appear pleased’ over the change, but it has still not been warm enough to see what the take up will be.

Mr Cole said: “We always try and listen to what our school community are saying.

“The heatwave from last summer certainly made us reflect on this particular request.

“Learners will look smart in tailored shorts and may well be able to learn more effectively in a warm building if they feel cooler.

“It just makes sense.”

It comes as schools in parts of the country decided to close early in July because of soaring temperatures forecast.

Others, including in Bolton, also allowed pupils to wear PE kits or rescheduled sports days to be able to cope.

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