New guidelines will require all schools in Northern Ireland to offer girls the option to wear trousers as part of their uniform.
Education Minister Paul Givan said the revised guidance will allow girls to wear trousers as part of their uniform and also for PE and games.
Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has described the decision as a “welcome but embarrassing U-turn by the minister”.
Education Committee chairman Nick Mathison said the minister will have to explain why he “took so long to move on this issue”.
The guidelines are legally binding under the School Uniforms Act which came into operation earlier this year.
I always wonder what happens if the children just break the dress code. How can they force them to wear skirts?
In my case lengthy admonitions during breaks and in front of the class, and annoying journal notes for parents. That’s for forgetting instructions to buy a conservative shirt and buying a sweatshirt with a print instead.