Uniform - do state schools have uniform lists? do they dictate shoe models or is it just private ones?

[TheBlonde]

Uniform - do state schools have uniform lists? do they dictate shoe models or is it just private ones? or just the one I am looking at?

We are just looking at primary schools at the moment

Shoe model? Do you mean all children must wear the same shoe?

DD is at private primary and does have a strict uniform inc coats and hats, but onky rule re shoes is that theu should be sensible school shoe style, without heels, in red or black.

My DC's state primary school has a recommended uniform list, and all children are expected to wear the uniform. The uniform shop is actually run in school by parent volunteers. Shoes have to be black or navy but that is as far as it goes.

They specify brand of shoe and then a couple of models

Another question - do all schools make girls wear dresses or skirts?

State schools can't legally insist on a uniform at primary level.

Most state primaries with uniform normally allow girls to wer skirts or trousers.

DD's school uniform is a pinafore in teh winter, dress in the summer. DD prefers these to trousers anyway!

Am at a school insisting on set brand/model of shoe! Is that state?

we used to have that when I was at school - had a choice of 2 or 3 styles of outdoor shoes, and 2 or 3 indoor styles (all vile of course in my teenaged opinion)

hula - it is a private school
brochure suggests you could kit out your child for 300 quid excl shoes and sports kit

Private schools do - you get a sheet with pictures to ensure you don't get children in platforms and things like that. It makes it easier to negotiate with your own difficult children over shoes I always found. Senior private schools are usually not as fussy but still specify the styles which are acceptable.

Some state secondaries specify an expensive uniform to exclude poor children I udnerstand. The Government is trying to do something baout that.

Our (state) school requires black school shoes with closed toes and sensible heels. The exact model is left to parents discretion, though an edict has lately gone out banning knee-high boots.

Yes, and no, but we do state colour (black) and no extreme heels.

My kids private school makes the same request

My son has to wear brown shoes for school, can only be in leather. Do you have any idea how hard it is to find brown leather school shoes? One shop, startright, 2 styles £38 a pair. Uniform from one supplier only (they used to check, I think they still do) brown blazer with badge (£50!), brown trousers (£15each) White shirt (£10), brown tracksuit (£45) Brown gloverall (£70) plus pe kit, bags. It's .... it was really painful. I don't even spend this much on myself. How can they justify charging £4 for 1 pair of socks?

I went to a primary with no uniform and then a secondary with a fairly loose uniform definition so it's all a bit

Never come across even private schools legislating over exact brand/model of shoe; certainly not round here. Are you down south looking at some of the really competitive type schools?

Nut yes the uniform certainly adds up on its own anyway. We have two uniforms, winter and summer both with hats and coats, waterproof coat, PE kit, lunch pinny, art apron, PE bag, leather satchel.... and there are other things to add as they progress through the school - swimming costume and towel, track suit, hat, cap, etc.

And it is all expensive - a pinafore alone costs over £30, the winter coat over £80 and the winter hat abut £30 too But we were aware of all that befe we started school there.

We are in London, it's not competitive in terms of assessing the children for entry but I suspect they assess us as parents instead

both of the schools my children go to (one state, one private) specify black shooes, closed, sensible heels etc, and that's as far as it goes. At the state school though this doesn't seem to be enforced (despite the Head's best attempts), and girls wear boots.

I have looked at a lot of schools, Broomwood Hall in SW London is something we are considering at 7+ or 8+, they specify 3 models you can choose from. That's the only one I have seen so far, and I have looked at a lot! like 20-25 or so. I think it is actually a good thing, simpler for the parents, the only problem is when all the shops run out of everything just as back to school rush starts and then you can't get any black shoes let alone specified model!

most formal uniform hereabouts is a state Catholic primary, it looks extremely smart I must say and I think most of it is done with High Street stuff plus sew-on badges and a tie
Our independent school describes type of shoe and colour fairly prescriptively but does not specify brand or model
Realistically speaking, though, they are steering you towards Clarks or Startrite and one does tend to see the same few models in abundance.
Rest of uniform is not that fancy although if you set your mind to it and buy everything rather than the basics you could spend a fortune
We have a thriving secondhand scene and I think you will find that is so wherever you choose TheBlonde

irisha - that's the place

dc's private school asks for flat black or navy, velcro fastenings to year 2. Rest of uniform is very specific including tunics(no trousers) and simmer dresses. Outrageous to be that specific on footwear , not all brands/styles suit all let alone budget. In reality though you do see the same styles frequently.

£300 for a Primary school child's unifrom? That is simply outrageous.

I got no change out £500 when first kitting 2 out , a lot was secondhand too.