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?

Agreed that some schools get it wrong BUT on here so far we seem to have a majority of parents who are for it.

The Sutton Trust studies shows that uniform doesn't effect attainment, but other studies from Universities show that it can improve attendence, especially that of girls, which of course has an impact on attainment.

Thanks River for telling me why the old thread is locked.. wish I could answer Math's post on there though.

I love school uniform.

DS has worn the same jumper and alternated between 2 pairs of trousers for a whole term. We'd never have got away with such a small quantity of clothing had it been dress down.

I would also hate for DS to be picked on for his clothes choices, I like the 'same-ness' of a uniform and the sense of belonging it brings, literally unifying the children.

No uniform. Teachers can concentrate on actually using the discipline measures for real reasons rather than stupid clothing related ones and get on with teaching rather than spend 10-15 mins of every lesson making students tuck their shirts in, tie their ties correctly etc.

Plus jeans and hoodies are so comfy

Any appropriate clothing will do.

What's your opinion on it OP?

I'm all for it. I live in a deprived area and the 'haves' really stand out from the 'have nots'.

School uniform prevents kids from wearing their wealth or poverty like a badge. Especially in a place where their concentration should be on learning, and not who has the most fashionable/expensive clothes.

My kids like it because they say as soon as they get their uniforms on, they feel as though they're in 'school mode', which helps them to knuckled down and learn.

As a teacher, I find it much easier if students are in uniform. It makes it discipline easier. Also it gives students something harmless to rebel about.

Baconyum they don't have to have just one school selling it to end the problems with people looking different. DD and DS's school send out a letter in the summer term with the pictures and product codes of skirts/trousers, shirts/blouses that are acceptable styles. They include ones from M&S, ASDA etc and all are very similar in style. It works well and caters for different preferences and budgets.

I like school uniform in theory, but some schools seem to focus too much on correct uniform rather than just being glad the children are there. Uniform should be comfortable, practical, affordable and available from a range of suppliers, not just 1 expensive school shop.

Mine are still at primary, and I do love them having a uniform. I imagine it saves me quite a lot of money, because I normally find myself buying jeans etc during long holiday breaks.

I developed some sympathy for the argument that girls shouldn't have to wear a shapeless blazer for so much of their formative years in the other now-locked thread. I don't really see what the problem is if the uniform is aesthetically pleasing, which the blazers are typically not.

I have no issues with school uniform at all. Not something i worry about.

Sensible no-uniform rule at out secondary. Everyone in practical hoodies, jeans and trainers.(and at an age when kids are feelings self-conscious about their shape they have scope to buy stuff that fits/suits them).

Hate uniforms. It's a mediaeval hangover that I wish would disappear from a modern educational system.

As pp have said, it's still easy to tell who has the cheapie stuff vs. the JL stuff, so the levelling argument (i.e., "it stops fashion pressure on the less affluent kids") doesn't wash.

I dislike seeing primary school trips with a miniature clone army of kids in uniform. Why is it seen as an advantage to have kids all the same? A local primary has no uniform and uses brightly-coloured armbands to quickly identify kids at a distance while on school trips. It works fine.

In secondary, blue hair, artfully ripped leggings, eyebrow piercings, etc. have never stopped anyone from learning. Insisting on conformity, with penalties for minor infractions, can make teenage kids very angry and frustrated at the petty bureaucracy. And angry and frustrated kids are not going to engage in education as well as they could. Uniforms help create an adversarial environment where the kids are trying to see how far they can push the pointless rules while not technically breaking them, and the school are trying to clamp down on any variation outside the ideal.

Much prefer it. Has made mornings so much easier.

We live abroad so my kids have never worn uniform ... They basically all wear jeans and trainers.

The irony! Take away a school uniform ... and they invent a self-imposed uniform.

We don't live in the UK and our kids don't wear uniform. They all end up dressing the same anyway. And, even though there is no uniform, wearing a hoodie/tshirt with the school's name on it is perfectly normal. The sports teams all wear their team hoodies together. Giving tshirts or hoodies with the party date and host's name on is a perfectly normal bm or birthday party bag present so the kids who attended can all wear them on the Monday afterwards.

I find the psychology of the teen completely fascinating.

My children currently don't have a uniform currently. We are moving soon, and they are changing schools, and will have a uniform - they are actually quite excited about it.

To me at this point it is an additional expense - I'll have to buy them lots of new clothes, and new shoes. I don't really get how it is cheaper - surely your children still need normal clothes for the weekends and holidays?

Having seen all the children in my DC's current school managing perfectly fine without uniform, I do think it is a bit unnecessary.

But I am not particularly against it. I am however, against petty rules, and I think lots of uniform rules are often extremely petty. Things like not being allowed to take off your blazer without permission, or not being allowed to wear coats on the school grounds, but not being provided with lockers to store them in, that sort of thing. I don't like blazers anyway - and don't think they look particularly smart. In fact, I suppose my main beef is with blazers rather than uniform per se, which is why I'm not bothered about primary uniform so much.
I would much rather a shirt and smart (ie knit, not sweatshirt) jumper than a blazer.

I like uniform. Purely for the no argument factor over what DCs will be wearing that day.

I don't get the point of school uniform at all. White shirts are not comfortable to wear (not for me anyway) and the ironing! Are we the only country in the world to persist with uniform or do other countries still use it? I know a lot don't and I'm not sure they are significantly disadvantaged in any way.

I hate polo shirts for High School - unless they are actually playing polo, they look like they are giant toddlers. having said that I don't think shirt and tie is really necessary either.

No uniform seems to work in other european countries and the US (and probably loads more) but this country seems to have an unhealthy obsession with what other people wear so I'm not sure it would work across the board here. Or maybe it would just take a while for people to "calm the fuck down" and stop worrying if they don't have the correct make of jeans or t-shirt.

I don't think uniform stifles individuality though. As was once said to me, 11 players on a football team run out wearing the same clothes but you still know that they are individuals.

We are a blazer/shirt and tie school - it's okay really, doesn't cause too many issues and DC don't moan about it. I'm sure there is a better alternative that doesn't consist of a cheap polo shirt and nylon sweatshirt.

My DC iron their own shirts so it has given them a life-skill :)

I live overseas and they don't have it here. I don't see the point of it really.

The irony! Take away a school uniform ... and they invent a self-imposed uniform.

It's the "self" notion that's important here. And if they are allowed to decide for themselves, that will extend to dressing for comfort and not having to abide by rules that say when they can remove a blazer in hot weather.

And this notion of preparing them for the world of work is ludicrous. How do you think people in non-uniform countries figure out how to dress for work?

Mufti days are a nightmare as they are out of routine. Pressure on that one day to look 'epic' (or 'cool' word of choice). Presumably if every day was mufti day it would be less of a big deal.

I completely support school uniform. Yes there are still differences between shops but it does make life easier and cheaper.

Will see how I feel when the blazers appear.

BTW I love m&s boys Teflon trousers. Takes at least a term before they go through on the knee. Natural fibre trousers do not last, wash or wear as well for my kids. Also hugely relieved I can choose the stockist of said trousers. Skinny kids need slim fit trousers.