It already happens at several primary schools in the Orange region, others are considering it, but most larger schools insist girls wear a skirt or dress.

Parent Hilary Smith said she backed calls by the national group Girls’ Uniform Agenda, which is advocating shorts and pants be part of the uniform.

“It is scientifically proven that girls move less when they are in a dress than when they are in shorts,” she said.

“We are no longer required to wear a dress at work but we are still making our girls wear a dress at school.”

She said girls were more comfortable in shorts when playing sport and in the playground.

“It is really a matter of welfare for the girl,” she said.

“She thinks, ‘how do I sit modestly when the boy just sits down. He doesn’t have to consider his actions.”

Mrs Smith has written to the two schools her daughters attend in Orange asking for a policy change.

Bowen Public School relieving principal Tracey Graves said the school had allowed shorts for girls for several years.

“We’re happy for the girls to be wearing shorts,” she said.

“If the girl wasn’t comfortable in them the parents wouldn’t be buying them.”

“They have just accepted that it’s normal, it’s not an issue.”

Orange Christian School principal Melissa Brown said the school would survey parents after receiving a call from parents to allow shorts to be worn.

“We’re exploring options from that point of view,” she said.

Mrs Brown said the school had to weigh up extra costs for parents and the availability of stock from manufacturers in making a change.

Bletchington Public School principal Craig Booth said shorts had been discussed by its parents and citizens association.

He said the cost to parents was an important factor in any uniform change.

An Education Department spokesman said uniform policy was up to each school.