Schools across the UK are introducing gender neutral uniforms

LONDON -- "Gender neutral" uniform policies have been introduced in 80 state schools -- including 40 primary schools -- across the UK, allowing children to wear the uniform in which they are most comfortable. 

In some schools, uniform policies have been reworded to omit references to gender. And, in other schools, uniform policies have been rewritten so that primary school children can dress according to the gender with which they identify, Elly Barnes, of Educate and Celebrate -- who works with schools to implement LGBTQ inclusive curriculums -- told the Sunday Times. 

A spokesperson for the Department for Education (DfE) told Mashable that the policy changes are not government-mandated, but that the changes have come about following a government grant to make schools more LGBTQ inclusive. 

“It is up to heads to set the right uniforms for their schools, taking into account parents’ wishes and pupil needs."

“The money we have allocated is specifically to target homophobic and transphobic bullying in schools‎ to ensure no child has their lives blighted by bullying and can reach their full potential in school,” the spokesperson said.

“It is up to heads to set the right uniforms for their schools, taking into account parents’ wishes and pupil needs."

Allens Croft Primary School in Birmingham -- which received £200,000 in funding from DfE -- was one of the first to implement a gender neutral uniform, which states that boys can wear a skirt or pinafore, and girls can wear trousers. 

Paula Weaver -- headteacher at Allens Croft -- told Mashable that trans inclusivity is "extremely important" to the school, and "acceptance is part of the school's ethos". 

"It's something I think is really important, and all our students dress in a way that makes them comfortable," Weaver continued. 

A spokesperson for LGBTQ organisation Stonewall described the move as "encouraging".

"We welcome all efforts to support young people on trans and gender identity issues and ensure that they feel happy, welcome and accepted at school," the spokesperson told Mashable. 

"No trans person should be forced to present in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable. When this happens, it can be deeply damaging, particularly for young people," the spokesperson continued. 

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