If you are not British how do you feel about school uniforms?

[katepilar]

It should really be titled if you grew up in a culture with no school uniforms how do you feel about them? Do you like your children having to wear them?
I just dont know, its a very strange concept for me and as I grow older I have to choose clothes carefully to feel comfortable in them. I cant imagine anyone telling me what clothes to wear on so many levels ie skirt/trousers/dress, materials, different shapes etc. Even more concerned about shoes (my English charges long time ago had to choose from about three particular shoe and were told when to wear socks and when to wear tights and I was shocked).

I just remembered all this thinking about Ukrainian children in the UK that will have to buy a uniform to go to school which seem so unreasonable in the circumstances.

Another DC went to a school where uniform changed slightly in year 10 - blazer needed, supposedly to introduce them to wearing formal wear for work (!?). Most kids looked like right scruff bags despite the blazer, with girls hiking their skirts up until they could barely be seen below the blazer. Also they had no sixth form so all the kids now dress in joggers and hoodies again.

Not a fan of the strict uniform, the effort the school puts in to keep it in place! And obsession over skirt length and how tight the girls trousers can be.
But having a child with autism watching her get ready for a non- uniform day her anxiety would peak. When she started sixth college - they had quite a chilled uniform code but she would really struggle. Even she said I just wish they would say here’s the skirt/trousers and a top - would be much simpler for her. It was tough! Though at uni she happy as she can just wear her joggers and top - her aim is to hide and never be noticed

It was known non-uniform days the school had a higher non-attendance in the older years. So they reduced them to only a couple of days over the year (used to be one day every half-term)

I’ve not read all the replies but in regards to Ukrainian refugee children, most of them will be used to wearing uniforms. I used to send my godson in Ukraine M&S school trousers and shirts when he was at school, as they were so much better quality that what was available locally at the time, mind this was about 20 year ago

I hate them. Poor quality. Expensive. I'd never spend 32 quid on polyester if I coupd help it. The leveller arguments are now irrelevant because ut costs you hundreds to get through the door of your local secondary school.

I believe parents only like them because they can make sure no one thinks their kid goes to the local shit hole as the logo gives it away.

I think a reasonable compromise would be that if there was a uniform it should be entirely available from supermarkets and high street shops. No branded stuff amd no hideous tartan skirt monstrosities that cost 20 quid a time fir 1.

One logo blazer can cost up to 50 pounds. Average probably around 30-35.

Last time I checked asda did a plain black blazer fir a tenner.thats a huge difference.

I'd do away with any piping or logo colours that represent houses too. Preventing families and friends from being able to re use the uniform. Have a badge fir a quod or something instead. Or make the cheapest item like the tie the house indicator.

I cant speak for anyone else but these online single suppliers are a night mare. Long waits at peak times. Expensive delivery. No way to try stuff on without paying for delivery amd again paying for returns of it doesn't fit. And twice now dd has had ti start school minus a pe t shirt thay wasn't in stock I'm time.

If people want to shell out for uniform.they have JL and M&S.

Uniform has become a way to prevent certain demographics from applying to schools. Any kid with SN and sensory issues who can't tolerate the clothing won't apply. Neither will anyone who's poor. Great for the school who won't have to provide the resources for them. Not so great for the kids priced out and excluded from.a local school and from being witg their friends.

Either get rid and have a dress code and deal with bullying.

Or get rid of the branded stuff and single supplier nonsense . There's nothing u can do in.a 20 pound tartan skirt that cant be done in a 5 pound tesco one.

I am.British though..mis read the title sorry I best put some coffee on

I like school uniform but I like it when it's sensible, practical and cheap. DDs primary school have the following uniform which can be picked up in any supermarket. DD typically wears joggers and a white tshirt with a blue cardigan which she is comfortable in.

We expect that all the children at XXXXXXXXX Primary School will wear our school colours every day for school. This means:-
• Royal blue sweatshirt / cardigan with or without the school logo
• White polo shirts, t-shirts, shirts or blouses
• Grey or black trousers or tracksuit bottoms
• Other clothes without school logos, patterns or slogans in the school colours – grey, black, white or royal blue
• Checked “school” summer dresses

Please do not send your child to school in the following:-
• Jeans
• T-shirts with slogans, patterns or logos
• Football shirts
• Patterned/flowery dresses

Each child needs a PE kit - shorts, T-shirt and plimsolls. The children have swimming lessons in Key Stage 2 and will need a swimming costume and towel. We offer a wide range of sporting activities and the children will need plimsolls or trainers to change into.

Jewellery Items
• Stud earrings can be worn, no hoops or dangle earrings please
• Watches can be worn
• Religious bracelets / necklaces can be worn discretely
Please make sure that your children come to school in appropriate footwear and outdoor wear so that they are able to move safely around school and play out in comfort and warmth.