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

my DSs state primary has uniform, and alhtough they don't tell you where to buy it, they have certain rules about color of socks, polo shirt only with a sweatshirt, shirt and tie only with a pullover etc. The girls can wear trousers or skirt/pinafore, and there are summer dresses. No outdoor shoes allowed in school as well; they have to wear plimsoles.

Their sports kit is strict too, with inly self coloured t-shirts or school t-shirts allowed, and plain tracksuit/shorts.

I suspect it has more to do with avoiding brand one-upmanship, but their school prospectus spouts a sense of belonging as the reasons.

I find it a bit that they tell you which model of shoe to wear!

I have seen mentions of the secondhand school clothing shop but let's face it I'm not going to buy secondhand shoes

No quite. My figure excluded footwear btw - shoes, indoor and outdoor trainers, soccer boots....

Dictate shoe models?

I would have had to go barefoot -- buying shoes for me as a child/teenager involved going to every shoeshop in the city in an attempt to find one pair somewhere that would actually fit my freakishly-shaped feet.

My Dc's school is very easy-going re shoes. Prefer sober colours in any style, but not too bothered as long as the shoes fit well and securely so thsat the child doesn't stumble. They also allow sandals in th summer. OTOH, the school down the road specifies colour and style of every visible item, icluding hair-scrunchies. Both are state schools.

TheBlonde, what age is yours? Are you looking for 4+ entry? Boy or girl? Have you been to the school, do you like it? I have only read the prospectuses and been on the phone, plus a classmate's brother got into Northcote and they are starting next year. Just wondering about impressions, we still have to do the whole school tour, parents interview. Then again, she is 4.5 now and at a pre-prep, but I like the idea for 8+

at dd's (private) school we have to go to a particular Clarks and ask for the shoes allowed. Basically the head goes in a selects shoes she approves of (minimal bits that aren't back; no patent, low heels etc etc). Bit at first, but isn't too much trouble really.....

irisha - my DS is 3 now so we are looking for 4+, we are booked in for our 1:1 tour in March

We went to an presentation in the autumn

Our secondary state school is quite strict on uniform. Shoes must be black (deffo no trainers) , but can be from any shop. Trousers black, socks grey/ black, polo tops & sweatshirts with logo & PE kits with logo must all be bought from school shop. Dark colour coats (no logos).

You are not supposed to wear trainers at our school, black or brown shoes.

I have heard the head tell a child wearing trainers to "come in shoes tomorrow". Nothing said about mad tassled boots for some girls tho

Most kids just wear Clarks or similar.

Girls can wear skirts, cresses or trousers (unless they are my DD in which case it;s skirts/dress only lol)

This is a state primary btw. Never heard of a school insisting on a model of shoe

DDs used to have to wear brown sandals all year round - they were a nightmare to find in the winter!!

Can you imagine the chaos getting changed after PE if the whole class have the same shoes?? No matter how many times you remind them some parents will forget to put names in and some kids will forget to check.

Shoe models?? I went to a private school and they were strict on uniform, but shoe models? Children's feet are all different shapes and sizes - what suits one won't suit another. How stupid!

Alittlebitshy.

That would be no good for dd as no Clarks shoes fit her. They are not deep enough for her instep, it is Start-Rite or nothing.

Dd's private school just stipulate flat black shoes (or sandals in summer) with a closed toe.

I think it depends on the school...as with shoewear, most primary schools seem to endorse school shoes, whilst some do allow trainers (grr)

must admit, that I still think school uniforms are a utter nightmare...I hate them,and when being at teh stay and play, bloody hell how hard is it to find your own child between a whole load of others running around ont he playground, all dressed, prestty much the same...

schools dictate socks...never come across that one...I mean, who cares? tis not as socks are seen, right?

Dd's school dictates the type of sock. Grey knee length socks or grey tights in winter and plain white ankle in summer for girls.

Grey ankle socks for boys throughout.

The boys socks may not be seen in winter but the girls are.

I don't know of any school that dictates the actual style and make of shoe. Most say black and sensible (ie no heels) shoes/ no boots or trainers.

Some schools do take the mick with how much they charge for certain items of clothing. dd1 goes to an independent (I know, I know-we have to expect them to have a strict dress code and charge the earth) but the tracksuit for the PE uniform is IDENTICAL to the one dd2 wears at her state priumary (only the badge is different) State school charged me £14 and the independant?

£48!!!!!

They also charged me £25 for a skirt and it was so long I had to get it altered for another £8. Have recently seen these skirts in the local National School Uniform shop for £12 and they don't need adjusting so I know where I'll be going for replacements in the future.