One such boy was called Michael Smith. His mother had read about Ashford Academy in the local newspaper a few years ago when the new uniform regulations appeared; under the headline ‘A Mixed Girls School?’ The article slated the headmistress and the PTA for forcing the boys to wear what it felt were girls’ clothes. However, a follow-up article several months later highlighted the excellent pass rates the school had achieved and praised the school’s strict uniform guidelines for being a major contributing factor.
“That’s a sissy school!” Claimed Michael when he overheard his mother, Karen telling his Auntie Sandra that she hoped he’d get into Ashford Academy. “I’m not going there!” He insisted.
“If they accept you you’re going young man!” His mother retorted, “It’s got a better reputation than the grammar school.”
“The neighbor’s boy Stephen goes there.” Sandra said, “…and it’s done him the world of good.”
“Really?” Karen asked inquisitively.
Sandra nodded as she sipped her tea. “Yes… he was pretty bad for truanting but since the new uniform he’s in school every day as far as I know.”
“That’s interesting.”
“Not many boys would want to roam the streets in an Ashford uniform,” Sandra added knowingly.
Karen agreed. “…and you never see any Ashford boys running riot in town after school either,” she added.
“Nope, they go straight to school and straight home again.”
“That’s because they’re all sissies,” Michael added, reinforcing the stereotype of the Ashford boys.
“Well, I’d like to see you say that to Stephen.” Sandra threatened. “He’s anything but a sissy.”