From mini to micro: Schoolgirl's skirts are getting shorter and shorter, say mothers Hemlines three inches further above the knee than in 2008, research shows Mothers say schools are more relaxed about dress codes Pupils are following high street and catwalk fashions Schools have become more relaxed about skirt lengths, and so have mothers, claim researchers Schoolgirls' skirts are shorter than ever, according to a national survey of 1,500 mothers. Hemlines have crept up three inches in the last five years and are now six inches above the knee on average, compared with three inches in 2008. Schools have become more relaxed about skirt lengths, and so have mothers, according to research. Two thirds (66 per cent) say they don't argue about hemlines, even though most (81 per cent) had rowed with their own mums when they were at school. In 2008 the standard hemline of a school uniform skirt came in at three inches above the knee - even fashion-conscious schoolgirls sported the 'midi' look. But this week, as millions of secondary school pupils return to the classroom after the long summer break, skirt hemlines are creeping higher and higher. Twenty years ago many UK schools had minimum agreed lengths for school skirts to avoid the fashion for tiny mini-skirts dominating the school playground. Back then, many girls who contravened those strict uniform guidelines were sent home to change or alter their dress and allowed to return to the classroom only when their skirt-length was more appropriate. Schoolgirls would get their way by leaving the house with a normal length school skirt but, once around the corner from home, roll the skirt up from the waistband to make it shorter. Some 81 per cent of today's mothers say they were forced to make sure their school skirt didn't come in any higher than an agreed minimum length when they were schoolgirls. But, by comparison, just 34 per cent of mums say their own daughters have the same restrictions on minimum skirt length enforced by their secondary school. Demure: Skirts of yesteryear were longer, as seen here in this file picture of actress Rachel Weisz It seems, with the passing of every academic year, school uniform rules are becoming more and more relaxed. And, as a result, school skirts are becoming shorter and shorter in order to follow high street and catwalk fashions. Mothers agree. Almost seven out of 10 mums (67 per cent) say their daughters skirts are 'far shorter' than theirs ever were during their schooldays. 'The popular school mini-skirt is fast becoming the school micro-skirt,' said Susan Fermor, a spokesman for Dr Beckmann, which conducted the research. School uniform tends to follow fashion to a degree but seems much slower to catch up than other forms of clothes. But short school skirts never seem to go out of style. 'Schoolgirls don't seem to the rules stop them - they just hitch up their waistband once they leave home in the morning. Their mums are wise to it though - they realise their daughters' skirts are getting shorter.' The relaxation of previously strict school uniform guidelines is also illustrated by the dropping of school ties by many secondary schools and the replacement of the 'v'-necked traditional school jumper with school sweatshirts.