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Original poster

Does anyone else consider the uniform when looking for a school ?

86 replies

mummyloveslucy · 04/08/2008 18:07

It sounds really silly but I have been put off certain schools because of there uniform. Our local one is grey and maroon. I don't like it at all. I love the navy and white. I think that looks really smart and crisp. Is it just me that does this? Don't misunderstand, if it was a fantastic school with an awful uniform then I wouldn't have a problem but when it's two schools that are both about the same, then I'd be going for the nice uniform.

OP posts:
reethi96 · 04/08/2008 18:11

For primary school I couldn't give two hoots, for secondary I prefer a smart uniform as I think it installs a sense of pride in the pupils. I wouldn't reject or choose a school on the basis of the uniform though.

catweazle · 04/08/2008 18:13

Sort of.

We have 2 local schools (2 mins walk in opposite directions). One has grey trousers/skirt, grey sweatshirt and white polo. The other has a purple sweatshirt and blue polo.

Purple school is number one on my list so far

Having said that, first year of DD's school it was blue and white striped blouse with maroon jumper. Then it changed to white blouse and navy jumper.

(Head Teacher more important than uniform IMO)

LIZS · 04/08/2008 18:15

no , only in how it might reflect the ethos of the school and practicality.

Original poster
mummyloveslucy · 04/08/2008 18:20

I nmust get it from my mum. There was a choice of 2 secondery schools for me, one was a very casual uniform in grey and the other was navy and red with a proper wool jumper and tye.
My mum didn't even visit the first school.
I wouldn't go that far though.

OP posts:
Original poster
mummyloveslucy · 04/08/2008 18:26

I also think that getting your first school uniform at 5 should be really exciting. It should make them feel smart and grown up. It would take away that excitment if the ubiform was awful, as she would be dressed smarter at home.

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lilolilmanchester · 04/08/2008 18:26

Not at all. School first, uniform a necessary evil IMO.

CorrieDale · 04/08/2008 18:28

Must admit to having rejected our nearest school partly on the basis of a scarlet jumper, which would look absolutely terrible on both of my DCs. There were other reasons, but that was probably about number 3 on the list.

Thomcat · 04/08/2008 18:29

Did I consider the colour of my DD's uniform when looking at schools for her??!! LOL! Err no. I looked at Ofsted reports, met the head, looked round the school, spoke to parents whose children already attended. Didn't think about the uniform until it came to buying it. Didn't enter my head to think about it.

Dottoressa · 04/08/2008 18:29

Oh yes. My ideal is old-fashioned, and very, very smart, preferably with boaters. We didn't find the boaters, but DS does have long socks with school stripes on them, so that is some consolation!

I love school uniforms (though I didn't when I had to wear one myself - a brown kilt, no less...)

hatwoman · 04/08/2008 18:31

dottoressa. I had to wear a brown kilt - did we go to the same school? (there'a nother one around on mn too)

Original poster
mummyloveslucy · 04/08/2008 18:31

CorrieDale- I don't blame you, that would probubly be no one on mine.
Are they little red heads like my daughter ?

OP posts:
lilolilmanchester · 04/08/2008 18:32

we live in a selective area for secondary. If DD passes the entrance exams, she'll go to one of 2 fantastic schools. If not, she'll go to a failing school. Uniform means naff all compared to that.

Original poster
mummyloveslucy · 04/08/2008 18:35

Is a boater the same as a blazer? I don't have a clue.
I love blazers, they are really smart. I think they have to make uniforms as cheep as possible nowadays. They have definatly gon down hill in general.

OP posts:
LIZS · 04/08/2008 18:37

Boater is a straw hat with band ! dc's have a blazer and it is smart but at £65 a throw something which could be done without for a 5 yr old imho.

Original poster
mummyloveslucy · 04/08/2008 18:39

lilolilmanchester- I would feel exactly the same. What a horrible possition to be in.
I wish her lots of luck.

OP posts:
Original poster
mummyloveslucy · 04/08/2008 18:41

That is a lot of money. Is it a private school? , I think it must be.

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Original poster
mummyloveslucy · 04/08/2008 18:43

I'm not keen on boaters, I think they look ponsey. It's like wearing a top hat to school. Blazers are just nice though.

OP posts:
lilolilmanchester · 04/08/2008 18:43

Thanks Mummyloveslucy. Have started losing sleep over it already. DS is in grammar and absolutely the right school for him cos he's exceptionally bright (if lazy). DD is the opposite, and I wouldn't be so worried if we had a good high school on the doorstep, but we're out of catchment for the decent highschools.
Sorry for the hijack, but hope it helps put uniform worries into perpective.

MABS · 04/08/2008 18:43

my dd had a boater til she was 7 and left pre prep, together with a navy striped blazer. she looked sooo cute, i loved it, but thenm she grew up

MABS · 04/08/2008 18:46

but meant to say, no, didn't consider it high up my list when choosing the school!

Original poster
mummyloveslucy · 04/08/2008 18:48

Oh yes I know. I have some concernes over my daughter starting school as she has some special needs. I wanted to start a more light hearted thread really.
Is she having any 11+ coaching? it might help. I really feel for you and everyone else in this possition. It can be very hard to get the best for our children.

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Original poster
mummyloveslucy · 04/08/2008 18:49

Don't lie MABS.

OP posts:
savoycabbage · 04/08/2008 18:52

I once worked in a prep school that was the shittest school EVER. Really just awful and I am sure that the majority of the parents chose it because of it's incredibly cute uniform with caps, knee socks and boaters.

It certainly wasn't for the resources or teaching standards.

Before I worked there I would see the children walking in a crocodile around the town and people would stop to look at them.

lilolilmanchester · 04/08/2008 18:52

(sorry will drop out, just a bad time for 11+ jitters ATM!! Thanks for letting me rant on your thread).

Let's lighten it up. Anyone else like to answer MLL's OP???

Issy · 04/08/2008 18:56

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at OP's request