Now it’s warming up, it’s time for seasonally moan about secondary school uniforms

[Soubriquet]

Whhhhhhhy?! Why must they have a thick ass blazer that traps in all the smells of puberty? Why can they only take it off if they ask for permission?!

They know they are hot! They shouldn’t have to say it.

Christ. What’s wrong with a nice shirt and jumper that students can remove when needed and not these thick stuffy blazers.

Schools like to lecture and say it prepares you for the working world, but how many jobs actually require a worker to wear a blazer? Plus, as an adult you don’t need permission to take it off!

What kids do you know wear a waistcoat?

My son's blazer isn't particularly thick, but with the tie, it makes him hot. His secondary school allow smart tailored shorts that must be knee length, in the summer. To be honest only the Year 7's bother with shorts, the rest of the year groups are far too old for shorts, as it's seen as a primary school item!! His school do allow them to take the blazer off, in very hot weather, but I think the forecast has to be hot weather for a week or more, before it's allowed!

It’s totally ridiculous, my two DS’ had to wear blazer, shirt and tie, long trousers. The girls were better off, with blazer, blouse & kilt.

My son’s school has a simple navy blazer (not branded) that can be taken off (and put on back of chair or a hook in the classroom) when seated. works great, especially since the kids tend to have half a pencil case in the pockets - wearing it makes sure nothing falls out of pockets.
we bought a washable one from m&s, and it still looks great after 5 or 6 washes.

Not a public school but my school was private, selective, waiting list etc. No ties worn in summer and sweaters/cardigans could be removed at will.

My dd2’s upper school had no uniform, that created its own set of problems, brands of course then policing it in summer to ensure decency - seeing bum cheeks from shorts or skirts (or worse) was a real problem, and cropped tops which officially weren’t allowed either but the girls tried! The boys rarely wore shorts despite being allowed to

My sons school messaged on Sunday to say blazers would not be required this week, many have still worn them tho

Excellent point 🤦😆. I forgot about the essential waistcoat as per definition.

You understand my intent. Shirt, jumper and blazer is the current requirement. It's incredibly uncomfortable and heavy and bulky. It seems highly counterproductive.

Not to do with hot weather. But a school near me is banning wearing jumpers between April and October. If they don't remove them they will be put in isolation for the day or not go to prom.

Any logical explanation?? 🤷

DDs independent school has jumpers + wool blazers but in warm weather they can have short sleeve shirt, no tie + blazer and jumper off. Common sense should prevail

This thread makes me glad we chose a school with no uniform. My boys went in wearing shorts and t-shirts today and came out of school cool and comfortable.

Only this
"Every parent wants the school they select for their children to have a safe and disciplined approach, and this is reflected in how a uniform is worn."

That’s just….it doesn’t make sense!! What reason is this for? Just seems like an excuse to power play

See above post

True. To be honest i come from a culture and background where you wouldn't have bare legs out to be honest, my parents are from Pakistan and schools there the children wear shalwar kameez which is the national dress, it is well suited to the hot climate because they are loose and made from cotton.
Summer uniform should be made from cotton. Have a slight looser fit so that air can circulate. So yes to dresses.

I speak from a practical point of view. Little children fall over a fair bit. Well at least 1-4 year olds do. No experianced with 5 years yet. But time will tell i think?

DS left secondary school last year, and thankfully they were incredibly sensible and allowed all pupils to attend in their PE kit on hot days.
DD went to a different secondary two years before who were absolutely rigid to the point of stupidity when it came to uniform. Hottest days of the year and full uniform still required. One girl sent home for wearing a coloured hairband (not a scrunchie, a bloody elastic) once. It was one of the reasons amongst many that I didn't send DS there as well.

@Paintandpots cotton school
yniform exists (apart from branded stuff), but most people buy polyester as they can’t be asked to iron…
mine wear cotton trousers snd shirts, and are fine in the heat.

they have to wear a jumper AND blazer??

Threads like this always make me so glad I’m in Scotland - I’ve never known any school up here to be particularly strict on uniform, although that’s obviously just my own experience.

Its hot today and my son is wearing black Nike shorts, for example.