TEENAGE boys marched into school wearing skirts after their request to wear shorts during the hot weather was refused.

The 13-year-olds took matters into their own hands, claiming uniform rules at Ferndown Middle School, Bournemouth, are unfair.

But one of the boys was told off because his skirt was too short.

Now the school’s governors have listened to the pupils’ plea and are set to change the uniform policy to include shorts. Current uniform rules allow girls to choose between trousers and skirts but insist boys wear long, tailored black trousers.

Year 8 pupil Joshua Knight was one of those who suggested he wear a skirt to school. His mum, Amie Steverson, said: “He was talking about this a few weeks ago when it was hot and said he would wear a skirt.

“I thought he was joking but when I realised he was serious I bought him a skirt. My son is the sort of person who voices his opinion and I think it was very brave of them.”

Amie said Joshua and his friends were welcomed by fellow pupils at the Peter Grant Way school on Tuesday and added: “All the children were laughing and I think they got a lot of attention. Some of the younger boys in Year 7 said they would do the same thing so I think the teachers just decided it would be better to let them wear shorts.

“On a more serious note, the boys have been very hot in this weather. Not only do they have to wear long trousers but they also wear shirts and ties. It doesn’t seem fair that the girls can cool off in skirts while the boys have to stay in a winter uniform.”

After the boys had worn their skirts, parents received a revised hot weather message from the school.

It said: “Due to the forecast for very hot weather pupils have the option to wear school PE kit for Wednesday and Thursday. Friday is a non-uniform day for the summer fair. It is sports day on Monday and all children are to wear school PE kit. From Tuesday children must be back in school uniform. Ties are optional.”

Joshua and his friends are in the final year at Ferndown Middle and will leave next month.

Head teacher Gillian Allen said ahead of the governors’ decision in July, the boys are “quite within their rights to wear skirts for the remainder of the term”.

“The children have been listened to. I think the governors will be in favour of shorts, but there will be consideration of the cost and which type of shorts are appropriate for the school,” she said.