Pupils back Shrewsbury school's unisex toilets trial

They say the new unisex loos that were put in at Meole Brace School this term tackle a range of issues such as long queues and transgender pupils' identity.

Pupils also insist privacy is not an issue.

This comes following backlash from parents last month, who feared their children might be too embarrassed to use the toilets and that there would be privacy problems.

The Longden Road school has said the unisex toilets are currently there on a three-month trial basis.

Corinna Smith, deputy head girl, said: "When I first found out about them I thought they were a great idea and they've turned out to be great. Now there are no queues and they've had a good effect on the other toilets as they are quieter now, there are now less queues. They're also bright and colourful.

"I haven't heard of anyone who doesn't want them. I've seen year 11 boys in there, I've seen year 7 girls in there. Younger students are more than happy to use them. It's not an intimidating atmosphere, there's no reason for anyone to feel nervous about these toilets."

Alice Preece, senior prefect, said the unisex facility was a "big step forward" for the school.

She said: "Since the new toilets have been built, queues have dramatically reduced. I used to queue for 10 minutes during break-time while now I can just walk into these ones.

"I think it's a big step forward for the school and it means the school isn't shying away from the fact there could be transgender pupils."

Andrew Farrow, prefect, said: "The difference between the new toilets and old toilets are massive. The old toilets, which were the boys' toilets, didn't smell the best, whereas the new ones are fantastic.

"In terms of privacy, the doors go from the floor to the ceiling, so nobody can look in at all."

According to assistant headteacher Simon Iddon, in recent weeks around 120 parents have looked around the school and were happy with the toilets. The new toilets have also encouraged pupils to "twin their toilets" and fundraise towards building toilets in poor communities.

The school has been holding a range of fundraising activities, including cake sales and sponsored silences. As a result of the pupils' efforts, 10 toilets will be built in Uganda during the October half-term.