A school admission form in Derbyshire, England, has ignited controversy by offering an extensive list of 42 gender pronouns for parents to choose from. This has sparked debate among parents, with some expressing confusion and concern, while the school maintains that the form is standard practice.

One parent voiced their skepticism, stating that such practices diminish the seriousness of the educational institution and cause unnecessary confusion for children. They also expressed concern about the age-appropriateness of such detailed gender options for young children.

The New Mills School, where the form is in use, stated that it's a standard form utilized by numerous schools. The form includes a wide range of pronouns, including terms like zie, zim, zir, and ve, ver, vis, among others. This incident follows previous controversy surrounding the school's "Drag ‘n’ Rainbows" non-uniform day, which was eventually cancelled due to public outcry.

The topic of gender identity in education has become increasingly prominent in Britain. The Scottish government issued guidance in 2021 aimed at supporting transgender students and fostering inclusive learning environments. The guidance emphasizes the importance of respecting and including every child, prioritizing their well-being and ensuring they reach their full potential.

However, differing perspectives exist on the legal obligations of schools regarding gender preferences. Former Attorney General Suella Braverman argued that schools are not legally required to accommodate a student's stated gender preference in all cases, including uniform and bathroom usage.

This debate highlights the ongoing tension between inclusivity efforts and differing opinions on the role of schools in addressing gender identity. Some educators, like Vic Goddard, principal of Passmores Academy, believe that politicians should prioritize more pressing issues like rising living costs instead of focusing on school-level decisions.