Many mums and dads had wanted a summer uniform introduced at Wymondham High Academy in Norfolk.

And head Jonathan Rockey wrote on the state school’s website: “All pupils will have the choice to wear either a grey school skirt or grey school trousers (existing style).”

He added: “To be clear, this designation of a gender-neutral dress code is nothing more than ensuring that clothing choices are equal regardless of gender.

But one parent fumed: “Offering a skirt as an option is not gender neutral.

"A skirt is in item of clothing traditionally associated with girls.

“So although it is absolutely fine for a boy to wear a skirt, many boys and girls might feel uncomfortable about it and would choose to wear shorts.”

Another urged “Lefty agenda leaders” to “stop experimenting with our kids”.

And a third said: "It is insane. The school appears to be deaf to parents clearly voicing concerns on this matter.

Mr Rockey said the school was not ruling out further updating the policy.

He added: “Like any consultation, there will be differing views and the academy and governors always consider these. We take all feedback seriously.

The school did not respond to further requests to comment.

It comes after boys at an Exeter school turned up in skirts because shorts were banned in June 2017.