I’ve finally triumphed in my search for a school skirt.

I found it on a sale rail in a little shop and paid the princely sum of £1 for it.

It fits the bill perfectly as the hem falls just below the knee.

I’d been scouring the land for a school skirt ever since my 15-year-old daughter was given detention for wearing a garment considered too short.

And before your mind conjures up an image of a skirt masquerading as a belt, let me assure you that the item of clothing was nothing of the sort, being a most respectable knee-length affair that would not have looked out of place in a Victorian schoolroom.

However rules are rules, and those issued by the school insist upon a certain length.

Quite rightly too, because, by and large, school skirts have become far too short. I’ve seen schoolgirls standing at bus stops wearing scraps of material that could pass as headbands.

That’s why an increasing number of schools are banning girls from wearing skirts. Last year a school in Harrogate hit the headlines for doing just that. This summer schools in Ipswich have taken the stance, and countless others will no doubt follow.

It’s a shame to have to go to such lengths, and I’m glad to say my daughters’ school hasn’t gone for an outright ban, but it might as well have done. Because before I chanced upon the remnant sale, I hadn’t been able to find a below-knee skirt for love nor money. I reckon that 95 per cent of school skirts on sale in the in high street are above the knee, four per cent are on the knee, and one per cent below it.

While I agree that some skirts are not acceptable, schools have become too obsessed with this item of clothing. What about ties? My children’s school insists that all top buttons on shirts are done up, which is good and helps children to look smart. But what’s the point when on top of the shirt is a hideously distorted tie. Pupils should be made to tie a neat knot, rather than loop it loosely around like a wrap in a sandwich bar. Or maybe they’re trying to look like their footballing heroes on Match of the Day, who are the only grown-ups I know who haven’t learned to properly fasten ties.

Unfortunately, as often happens these days, my daughter rejected the skirt and says she is sticking to trousers.

But her younger sister has given it the thumbs-up and will, I hope, avoid detention.

If, however, it is seen as unsuitable, I’m sending both girls to school in maxi dresses.

With grotesquely distorted ties on top.