Mum hits out after teen daughter suspended twice on first week of school over 'stupid' uniform rule

A 12-year-old girl has been suspended twice during her first week of Year 8 because of what her mum says is a 'stupid' uniform rule.

Thorp Academy School said Eva Patterson’s skirt was too short and her trousers were considered too tight, according to her mother Danielle Gregory.

The 35-year-old said she was ‘stunned’ when Eva returned home saying she was ‘told off’ because a staff member at the Newcastle school said her 22cm ‘skirt was too short’, forcing her to ‘crouch around’ all day.

Attempting to comply with school rules, Danielle brought Eva a pair of £12 black trousers - and she was suspended for the second time before making it through the school gates.

Staff said her ‘trousers were too tight’, with uniform policy stating that all skirts should ‘sit on the knee in length’, while black trousers must be a ‘tailored regular fit’ and not ‘pencil-tight trousers’.

Eva was suspended because her skirt was too short (SWNS)

It meant Danielle has bought a £28 pair of tailored trousers this weekend, hoping Eva won't be suspended for the third time.

"The school uniform rules have gone too far and I don't understand the rationale behind it," Danielle said.

"It's so stupid - and all she wants is an education.

"Poor Eva is so upset and feels like her first week at school - which is scary enough - has been completely ruined.

"She also feels targeted and will get in trouble no matter what she wears.

"Even if you try and make a case, the school just weren't having it and it's not fair.

The mum says her daughter 'will get in trouble no matter what she wears' (SWNS)

"I've managed to buy her some new trousers this weekend and all I can do is hope and pray the school will allow her in."

Eva said she ‘feels like I'm the only one getting targeted - especially as other people wore the same trousers as me’.

"I'm nervous about going back, in case I get suspended again," she admitted, as the mum says ‘they’re not thinking about the impact this is going to have on a little girl’.

“I firmly believe uniform policies impact girls’ education - saying they can’t enter the school,” Danielle said.

“I completely agree with rules and boundaries in schools with kids and I’m all for it but when it’s in relation to a policy that’s completely discriminatory, oppressive and sexist I’m not here for it.

"Education should come first."

Eva said she 'feels like I'm the only one getting targeted' (SWNS)

A spokesperson from the Northern Education Trust, said: "Thorp Academy is committed to maintaining the high standards that ensure consistently good outcomes for our students.

"Our uniform expectations were shared with families on multiple occasions throughout last academic year and most recently on Tuesday 1 September 2026 in preparation for students returning to school on 2 September.

"Assemblies took place with students well in advance of the summer holidays.

"Information was also shared multiple times over social media throughout the summer holidays.

Thorp Academy School said Eva's trousers were too tight (SWNS)

"All our policies are applied consistently and fairly. To support families and remove barriers, we have invested significantly in brand new uniform which we have given free of charge to families that have come into the academy and worked with us.

"We cannot comment on individual cases, but we strongly encourage parents with any concerns to speak directly to the academy.

"We will always work with families to resolve issues, and believe that direct conversation with the school, rather than through the media, is the most constructive way to do that."

LADbible Group has contacted Thorp Academy School for additional comment.