Primary schools with no uniform in London

[Rad555]

Hi guys,

I am wondering whether there are any primary schools in London that do not wear uniform (state or private). We're based in East London and looking for an alternative primary education provision.

Thanks in advance!

My kids go to school in the borough of camden - lots of the state primary schools there (and in Islington for that matter) don't wear a uniform.

While I like it, I'm not sure I'd base all of my decision making about a school on that ground alone though.

The lack of uniform is a complete pain in the ass. School uniform is cheap, much cheaper than regular clothes, its a leveler and you don't need to buy as many non-uniform clothes. Then the decisions in the morning if you have a picky dresser take up more time!

I have first hand experience and I am just finishing 8 years of no uniform. Thankfully secondary has unifrom - bliss. Even my DDs agree.

My kids in se london go to a state school with a very light uniform (can wear pretty much any plain clothes e.g. jeans /trackies /leggings / shorts / skirts) and logo tshirts / sweatshirts. There are a few around our way like that but no totally non uniform primaries that I can think of sounds like north London has more.

I live in SE14 and one of our local schools, Edmund Waller, has a no uniform policy. It's a v lovely and popular school. The kids tend to be in a mix of scandi / h&m etc (it's q a middle class intake)

Mine goes to a school in se London with optional uniform. Most don’t wear it, including my dd. Why is it so important to you though?

William Patton and Grasmere near us have no uniform (N16 way). I know some of the parents who hate it, too! Apparently every morning is a battle over what to wear.

Eleanor Palmer

Yerbury & Brecknock schools in Islington have no uniform. Canonbury have a tshirt. I’m sure there are more.

John ball in blackheath has no uniform. Personally I much prefer to have a uniform.

@nottheretoargue Would you mind sharing what school that is please?

We are looking for schools that have a less structured and more well rounded education. One of the things we'd prefer is no uniform as to me that suggests (big generalisation) they are more about conforming than thinking laterally. i understand the arguments in favour of uniform but don't agree with it.

I think most state schools are pretty "conformist" academically, and uniform policy isn't necessarily a reflection of that. For example my children's school is stricter on uniform than some other schools in the area, but has a more progressive approach to pastoral care.

Have you considered Steiner schooling OP?

DS's primary school had no uniform and it was fantastic - sadly he is now having to wear unbearable plastic burgundy jumpers at secondary, though thank God the plastic uniform trousers are ignored and every single child in the school wears black jeans.

However, I think as a signifier of a well rounded education it is hugely flawed - it is not a signifier of anything at all IMO, my objection to uniform is mainly that it's a huge waste of time. A uniform is not in itself a sign that the school is 'about' conformity. Most teachers in ds's school desperately wanted uniform brought in because it helped with safeguarding outside the school - a compromise was achieved with every child having to own a uniform fleece or sweatshirt to wear on school trips.

I would think about avoiding a school that has just introduced a uniform, perhaps. But really, whether your child wears a uniform or not is unimportant (which is why I don't like the bloody things).

Muswell hill primary and Rhodes avenue. RA is a very academic school and I wouldn't call it well rounded. MHP might more fit the bill.

Muswell hill primary and Rhodes avenue. RA is a very academic school and I wouldn't call it well rounded. MHP might more fit the bill.

Ashmead Primary in SE8 has no uniform

Have you look at Steiner or Montessori education?

PMed you OP.

Try Hampton Court House. It is an Independent School, no uniform and slightly alternative ethos.

Yes, I agree with you all, perhaps it isn't the best measure of an all rounded school, which is what we are looking for really, even if it is private.

There were quite a few in Islington that don't. We have moved though so don't know if this is still the case. I think your assumption about what it signifies though is misguided.

Fox primary state, no uniform, Horniman state optional uniform
London Acorn, private, Educare small school , private, King Alfred’s private, Sunrise Primary private. Steiner schools . Hampton court house private,but they dictate dull colours! Some of these are quite alternative

@HesterShaw- don't seem to have received any message?

We are looking at Steiner and Montessori as well, even those there are only few of them.

Check out Walnut Tree Walk School, state school, near Kennington Park Lambeth.

Another private one for you www.dallingtonschool.co.uk/our-ethos

Highgate Primary, Coleridge Primary.