Can Muslim girls change in school locker rooms?
Yes, with modesty. Girls can change in a girls' locker room as long as their awrah stays covered, which means using a cubicle, a towel or wearing their PE kit under their clothes. If the school doesn't offer enough privacy, parents can ask for a private cubicle or a separate space, and many schools agree.
What modesty means among girls
Modesty applies in same-gender spaces too. The Prophet ﷺ said that a woman should not see the private parts of another woman (Sahih Muslim 338). The Quran tells believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity:
Among women, most scholars say the awrah is at least from the navel to the knee, and many encourage covering more, such as the chest and back, especially for teenagers. Changing in a shared room is not wrong in itself. It's being undressed in front of others that needs care. See Can I shower in the school changing rooms as a Muslim?
Practical ways to change
- Use a cubicle or toilet stall. This is the easiest option if there is one.
- Wear PE kit under school clothes. Then you only need to take off your outer layer.
- Use a large towel or changing robe. Change underneath it.
- Come early or leave late. The room is quieter when most girls have gone.
- Shower at home. Most schools don't require showers after PE.
- Keep your eyes down and don't comment on others' bodies.
How parents can ask for privacy
Many girls of all backgrounds find changing rooms uncomfortable, so schools are used to this request. A short, friendly email to the PE teacher or head of year often works:
- Say that your daughter needs more privacy for religious reasons.
- Ask for a private cubicle, a separate small room, or permission to change a few minutes before or after the others.
- Ask whether she may wear her PE kit under her uniform.
- Ask that phones and cameras aren't allowed in changing areas, which protects every pupil's privacy.
A conversation with the teacher in person can also help, especially if you explain what you've already tried. See Do Muslim girls have to take PE at school?
If the school can't offer privacy
If there really is no alternative, a girl can wear her kit under her clothes and change as discreetly as possible, using the cubicle in the toilet if allowed. If anyone takes photos or makes her feel unsafe, she should tell a trusted teacher straight away. Islam never asks her to put up with something unsafe. See What if my school PE uniform isn't modest?
- Girls can change among girls if the awrah stays covered.
- Cubicles, towels and kit worn under clothes are the easiest fixes.
- Parents can politely ask the school for a private space.
- Report phones, cameras or any safety concern to a teacher.
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