A school trust has claimed its decision not to accept some transgender pupils has been “hijacked” by groups looking to push their views.

The Girls’ Day School Trust, which runs Northwood College for Girls, announced in December it would no longer admit pupils who were legally born male but identify as female.

But the trust did say it would “carefully consider” applications from legally born females who identify as trans or non-binary on a “case-by-case basis”.

The policy sparked a large debate – with the majority of readers appearing to support the move – but the trust has now issued a new response, stating that it is now "taking on board" the concerns raised.

It wrote: “We regret the upset that has been caused.

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“We did not intend to make an ideological stand on this issue, or for our policy to be made public and hijacked by some parties as a vehicle to convey their messages in this sensitive debate.”

As a result, the GDST says it is now “listening carefully” to members of the GDST community to reflect the views and beliefs of students, parents and staff.

The statement continued: “We recognise that this has provoked a significant reaction and that strong views have been shared, some of which are misleading or inaccurate in respect of our organisation, our ethos and our values.

“We are taking on board the concerns that have been raised.”

A stock image of a girls school Credit: PA

A stock image of a girls' school Credit: PA

GDST previously said it feared accepting some transgender pupils could “jeopardise” its single-sex status.

It said it aims to “remain true” to its “single-sex ethos” while also ensuring a “supportive environment” for students transitioning or exploring their gender identities.

“All our trans students are highly valued members of our school communities and we fully embrace their identities,” GDST added.