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Ramsgate mum calls for rethink over 'revealing' PE kit at St George's CofE Foundation School in Broadstairs

A mum-of-three is calling for a secondary school to rethink its girls PE kit, claiming it sexualises young teenagers.

Jo Keeler, from Ramsgate, says she was walking behind a St George's CofE Foundation School pupil who was wearing a skort – a shorts and skirt combination – when she noticed how revealing it was.

Jo Keeler says the PE kit sexualises young girls
Jo Keeler says the PE kit sexualises young girls

She says she was so shocked she stopped the youngster to ask about the PE kit.

"It's really upsetting – this girl was only 13," said Miss Keeler.

"I spoke to her and she said they're not allowed to get changed out of their PE kits before they leave school."

Miss Keeler says she couldn't believe how short the length of the skort was and phoned the Broadstairs school to complain that it was unacceptable they had to walk home like that.

It is understood pupils have now been told they can change back into their uniform before going home.

St George's CofE Foundation School in Broadstairs. Picture: Google Street View
St George's CofE Foundation School in Broadstairs. Picture: Google Street View

Miss Keeler said: "I'm disgusted by the fact young girls are being told to wear these short PE kits.

"A few others have commented on it and my friend has a daughter at the school and she's embarrassed by it.

"Why do they have to be so short?

"If they want to roll their skirts up that's an issue for them and their parents to deal with but when a school is making its pupils wear something so short, it's a different matter."

Miss Keeler says she has a daughter who is five and she would be unhappy with her wearing the PE kit.

"These girls are being sexualised which is such a big topic at the moment."

"I was shocked to see it," she said.

"These girls are being sexualised which is such a big topic at the moment.

"Why can't they wear the shorts we used to have to wear?

"I find it upsetting. Kids need protection and this is not the way to do it."

Other secondary schools in Thanet, including Charles Dickens in Broadstairs and King Ethelberts in Birchington, also have the skort on their list of PE kit items, but in different colours.

It is understood that St George's pupils have a choice whether to wear the skort or leggings or shorts instead.

The school would not provide a comment in response to Miss Keeler's concerns.

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