Primary schools without uniforms in West London

[DexterMoonboots]

We're Canadian and moving to London January 2020. We're looking for a home in areas like Chiswick, Ealing, Acton, Richmond and Pinner. Wondering if there arw any primary schools (public or private) that don't have uniforms? Getting our 6-year-old to wear a uniform is going to be a daily fight.

Why would it be a fight?

Please don't select a school for your child on the basis of whether or not it has a uniform. Choose the one that best meets their needs then deal with the uniform question as it arises. You will be seriously limiting your options if that is your principal criterion. Almost all London primary schools have some sort of uniform, even if it's only a particular colour of sweatshirt. The children soon get used to the routine of putting on uniform.

I dislike school uniform but the fact is they are really difficult to avoid in the U.K. Your child will probably be fine when he/she sees everyone else wearing it.

She is a strong-willed child and getting her dressed in the morning is already a battle. She is very opinionated about her clothes already and is going to hate wearing an uncomfortable uniform.

Thanks @eurochick I hope that's the case! :)

Thanks @TulipCat that's helpful advice :)

Most school uniforms are very comfortable and if everyone else is wearing it, sending her to a school with a uniform might solve the issue of dressing.

If you are think of Ealing, then look at Little Ealing Primary. Great school and no uniform but you do have to live incredibly close to it to get a place there.

But that said, most school uniforms are really comfortable in state schools, soft polo shits and cardigans/jumpers.

For a 6yo it will be an inyear admission to year 1 or 2.

As infant class size rules apply, it might well mean DC has to go on to the waiting list (as the desirable schools which you need to live extremely close to will, be fully subscribed). So yes, if you move very close to the school you really want, you might go straight to the top (or near the top) of the WL (they are ranked by how well you fit the entrance criteria, not time on the list).

I assume it does have to be west london? Lots of schools around our way have no or very relaxed uniform but we are se postcodes not sw. I disagree that state school uniform is generally comfortable I dont understand this obsession with everyone in polyester and girls in tights. Thankfully my DC school can wear leggings/jeans/joggers.

American School is the only one I can think of.

There are very very few schools here without uniforms, you’re really limiting yourself if this if your main criteria. And the uniforms in most state schools aren’t uncomfortable - trousers or a skirt or pinafore, t-shirt, sweater...

@Milomonster thank you!

There are two locations. One in St John’s Wood and the other around Ravenscourt Park, I think.

You might be better biting the bullet now and getting used to uniform so secondary isn't a battle.

Crouch end has loads of schools without uniforms but is north london.

@RicStar haha I agree! There is now way they are just as comfortable as regular clothing. That's great that your child's school allows jeans/legging/joggers. Yes we are primarily looking in the west as my husband will be working in Uxbridge. Thanks for the insight!

If clothes are a ballet on a daily basis I would say that a inform can only improve the situation. There's no choice, no drama, she'll just have to put it on every day.

It's also a very strange way to select a school when there are so many more important factors to consider.

South East London has lots of primary schools that don't have compulsory uniforms. Hampton Court House school has no uniform but lots of rules about permitted clothing styles: www.hamptoncourthouse.co.uk/student/dress-code/

DD4 has just started school and I was expecting drama with the uniform. She has always been very particular about what she will wear from being tiny. Her uniform is quite formal as well.

She's been absolutely fine with it, no bother at all. Your daughter might not be as bad as you think.

@Rickandportly that is quite the uniform. Do you ever run out?

I admire any autocorrect that thinks "oh they must means shits" anyway!

Comfortable - trousers, polo shirts, sweatshirts.
Uncomfortable - hair shirts

Unless you are paying privately, having an option of a non-uniform state school at age 6 is very unlikely. In fact, there won't be many options at all for a state school at age 6.

if strong willed and not SEN, time to recognise who is the adult. She's unlikely to have to wear a straw hat and a tie. She will have to do as she is bloody told at school so time to work on that.

Thanks @Rickandportly :)