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?

Actually, DD quite often wears the same polo shirt all week. Or she only gets through two if it does need changing. She's a very neat clean sort of child and even in Reception she never really got paint on herself or anything. And as she is only 9, she's not at the stage of needing to change because the item would smell.

I have no idea how she does it, btw. I'm the sort of person who simply cannot own white tops and my hands are always covered in ink and I can't wear something clean for ten minutes without ending up with something on it somewhere!

No my DD at primary does not have a locker but a peg and shelf above.

DD was not institutionalised by wearing a uniform that did not contribute to her indecision at all. It was that annoying bloody thing called peer pressure and wanting to fit in. To be seen as stylish and fashionable and not to be seen as naff. It wasn't even about money and what you could afford as a lot of girls wore Primark and H&M. DD wasn't a shallow girl she just wanted to blend in for an easy life, it was an all girls school so maybe more prone to bitchiness with regards clothes.

Single sex schools are another thing that don't exist here, so I don't know how much difference that makes.

Honestly, once you are used to not having a uniform, the whole idea seems so unnecessary. I would hate to have to buy two sets of clothes and shoes (uniform and non uniform) for DS right now as he's growing so fast.

And I find it very hard to imagine my nearly 15 year old in a school uniform, she's a young woman not a child.

Honestly, once you are used to not having a uniform, the whole idea seems so unnecessary. I would hate to have to buy two sets of clothes and shoes (uniform and non uniform) for DS right now as he's growing so fast.
I agree. I also asume, that if your kids go to Eton, or some other school which is unaffordable to mere mortals, buying overpriced uniforms isn't a big deal. But an ordinary inner city comp, trying to pull the "looking smart" bullshit is ludicrous.

DP has just told me that in junior school in the 1970's there was no uniform at his school. He said he hated it as his family were really poor and he was judged daily basis even at the age of 11 on what he did or didn't wear . He said he remembers feeling relief when he could slip into the anonymity of a uniform in secondary school. His mum received a government grant to pay for his uniform which eased some of the financial burden.

*judged on a daily basis

And I was judged and bullied about what I wore. and I wore uniform.

all my uniform cake from.the likes of JL and m&s

bit in secondary school that "precise school example" of uniform is social suicide. not to mention being the most hideous unflattering uncomfortable monstrosity ever.

I'd rather have Been laughed at over my clothes tbh. at least I'd he comfortable and dressed for my body shape as opposed to looking a right state.

uniform does not protect against bullies and you can tell alot more than you might think.

I'm not suggesting that a uniform protects against bullies. Just offering another example of someone personal experience and thoughts on school uniform.

It's a shame really cos what needs tackling is the behaviour. not the clothes/uniform.

I mostly think school uniform is sexist.