To ask what UK parents really think of school uniform

[longtimelurker101]

Relating to the thread on school uniform and hair dying. What do parents really think? Do you support the idea or would you prefer that schools across the U.K went non-uniform and had no rules regarding appearance?

"a lot of the arguments you put forward for the ban on makeup etc was parents support it so parents saying yes but less strict isn't really supporting it."

Schools (well the ones I've been in anyway) do consultation with parents on uniform, rules etc.

On the argument about make up, I think there are a number of issues there. As with this thread its interesting that lots of people have put forward varying arguments and points of view both for and against.

But ok, If I go back and count the "for but less strict" group as a separate, there is still a majority who back uniform, with another group who want it but with a simple form of implementation. I'm all for making it easy, cheap and as hassle free as possible.

Why can't secondaries stick to guidelines like our primary does for uniforms if they need a uniform? For example, grey trousers or skirts (no black), grey, white or navy socks or tights if wearing a skirt but no rules for socks under trousers. White polo or shirt. Navy or grey jumper/cardigan (although there's an unspoken rule that navy is in and grey is out, another two years or so and I bet it'll change to grey, anyone looking round the school just has to note what current pupils are wearing). Black leather shoes, no canvas until the summer term, leather boots may be worn in colder weather, no ugg type boots please.
Why all the polyester/blazers/plain shoes inspections?

Not sure on Blazers, think it might be "tradition" or a way to ape the public schools. Or to attempt that teens might wear some sort of coat lol! Shoes are mainly down to the bullying issue/inappropriate school wear thing. Think many of the rules are brought in to deal with a particular problem and then not reviewed, I kind of back school shoes cause lots of our kids walk to school in all weathers and canvas shoes aren't really up to it/give some kids an excuse to create a fuss.

Again then, I think some rules are brought in to deal with a level of distraction brought by SOME students not all.

I'm all for it being simple though, if we have to have to have uniform.

My nephew went to the Lycee in central London. The pressure for the right jeans and the latest A&F sweatshirt was enormous.. All he has ever worn is stinky trainers..The first time he ever wore a pair of proper, leather shoes in his life was when he went for his first job interview.

I'm pro uniform..

My boys find the blazers really useful for all stuffing all their bits and pieces in the pockets. £45 a time though so an expensive set of pockets as they've needed a new one each year.

Is £45 expensive when you work out how many wears you get out of it? The same with shoes and such.

longtimelurker101

Muddling, I thought there had been a European Court of Human Rights rulling on that back in the 1990s? > "Which would be understandable if the teachers wore skirts themselves, but the female teachers I've seen seem to all be wearing trousers. Hypocrisy at its finest." That is a poor argument, standard Tu Quo Que flaw. Teachers are adults and not subject to the same rules as children. There are lots of things that teachers are allowed to do which the students are not.

I think "because teachers do" is really weak as an argument, I totally understand the objection to girls being forced to wear skirts but I think that this way of arguing it is really poor.

I agree that they get a lot of wears for £45 but the black ones are only £20-£25

DD's blazer was iirc < £30. And lasted her all the 5 years. Bargain!

You don't want to have boys teen they generally do all their growing in High School - mine have gone from a 34 chest to 42 chest in 3 years. From 5'5 to 6'2. From size 7 feet to size 11. It's an expensive business as obviously they've needed multiple trousers and shirts and jumpers too as well as footwear - shoes and trainers. Thankfully neither do football or rugby so that's been a saving.

and their school never does dress down for any reason. For the younger classes at Christmas they can change into "party" clothes for their afternoon party - that's it.

I find it weird and creepy. In no other walk of life is potential bullying or discrimination tackled with at the victim end. By that logic ginger hair should be dyed to stop people standing out. But I send my dd to school in uniform as I know I'm in the minority and won't get anywhere by campaigning to get it changed

Uniforms need to be simplified and made more comfortable. Why are primary aged kids expected to dress like tiny office workers for instance?

What's wrong with plain, coloured sweatshirts and joggers? No images, no lettering...collars or hoods fine. T shirt and shorts in summer....again...any colour but it must be PLAIN.

And non branded trainers.

Just as easy to keep tidy, washable and cheap. BUT more comfortable and practical. I resent buynig ugly shoes from Clarks which only fall apart. Tesco and M&S versions are crap too....trainers or plain boots...they're stronger!

I totally understand the objection to girls being forced to wear skirts but I think that this way of arguing it is really poor.

Do you understand the concept of flatter hierarchies, OP? And its relationship to fairness and social justice concerns?

I like them but we have a local supplier only who charge like an angry bull

longtimelurker101

I think "because teachers do" is really weak as an argument, I totally understand the objection to girls being forced to wear skirts but I think that this way of arguing it is really poor.

Teachers are the bosses of the workplace. My boss can go to lunch with me and expense it. I can't go to lunch with my peer and expense it. Different rules apply to different people in the workplace based on their role and responsibilities. I think it's fine that female pupils only wear a skirt and female teachers are allowed to wear trousers. The roles and responsibilities are totally different and there is a hierarchy in schools just as there is in the workplace.

"Do you understand the concept of flatter hierarchies, OP? And its relationship to fairness and social justice concerns?"

I understand the concept, but as I said arguing because teachers can is poor. Sorry it just is. As I said Tu quoque is a well know fallacy in an argument.

"The roles and responsibilities are totally different and there is a hierarchy in schools just as there is in the workplace."

Agreed, I do think they should have a choice in this matter though, I would be very unhappy with any organisation that forced this issue.

So it's ok for girls to be subject to blatant sexism, then, while the women teachers are not? At what point in their lives do girls have the right to be free from sexism?

My DD would not wear school trousers. She hates trousers and doesn't own any, and hasn't had them since she was 2 (now almost 10).
Her school uniform is unfair as boys can wear white shirts (easily bought from asda/tesco/m&s/localexpensiveuniform shop) girls MUST wear golden yellow blouses. £15 for two blouses. Only available at the expensive uniform shop.

"So it's ok for girls to be subject to blatant sexism, then, while the women teachers are not? At what point in their lives do girls have the right to be free from sexism?"

At no point have endorsed that, I said that your argument of "teachers do it" is poor, because that argument doesn't wash when you consider that teachers are allowed to do lots of things in schools that students aren't.

Can you read? Or are you just being difficult on purpose?All of my statements regarding this have shown that I am not in favour of it!

(I'll see if I can C&P my later posts from the old thread on to here Lurker but have to run out now.)

Don't worry math, the moment has passed.

I was responding to Want2be, OP. I should have made that clear.

Want2be's post: "I think it's fine that female pupils only wear a skirt and female teachers are allowed to wear trousers."

But to be frank, your line of reasoning, OP, does lend support this view.