Any primary schools with no uniform in London (or anywhere)?

[LewishamMum]

I'm really anti school uniform. I went to a state primary outside London and there was no uniform. I did have to wear uniform from 11-16, but was then back out of it for the sixth form.

I really don't want my DD to wear uniform AT ALL when she starts school. I just think it's silly and wrong and right wing and stifles individuality. Most of the Western World gets on without them, why can't we?

I'm currently in Lewisham, but likely to be moving in the next couple of years in any event, but staying within South London. Seriously, are there any STATE schools, preferably maintained, with absolutely no uniform from 4 to 11?

'Well actually I think it can be difficult. Until a few months ago I relied upon a launderette (admittedly not now, but plenty of families local to me do), and even without that, working full time and bringing up young kids, particularly as a single parent is hard.
Making sure you've got the right shirt ready for each morning is an extra stress/worry I could do without, when there are other Tshirts and tops that are already washed.
And the vast majority of adults don't work in uniform. I would never work anywhere with a uniform, so I think that's a silly comparison'

I was a working single parent from when my children were very small so I know exactly what it's like and had to be organised. Lucky you that you have the option of being able to pick and choose where you work. Some people just need a job. I've worked in places where I've worn a uniform and currently work somewhere where there is no uniform for staff but there is a dress code. I'd rather have a uniform. So much easier and cheaper.

I started school in 1976 and wore a uniform all the way through to leaving age.

Thanks for the recommendations for schools. Based on where I currently live the only one in walking distance in Brindishe Green. They have a school sweatshirt but it's 100% optional, and photos suggest most kids don't wear it. It's the one thing mine will be banned from having (Superman capes are fine, although Superwoman ones better :)).
Nice to know there are a few options though.

As my DD is only 5mo I'll try not to worry about secondary schools just yet!!!

Our primary school has a uniform (polo shirt and black / grey trousers or skirt). The trousers can be smart joggers or normal school trousers and they're not massively strict. We're in a very mixed area (not London) and you can buy school branded tops but most just get them from the supermarket cheap.

I'm not sure about the expressing individuality argument. My children do that by just being themselves- like all kids do. Their creativity and flair is not stifled because they wear a blue t shirt to school every day.

But you can bleach white t polo shirts.
But why should I have to?
I can put all DD other clothes straight in the machine and they come out looking acceptable. I have no interest in her wearing white - I wouldn't choose it for her for any other occasion, she isn't a male office worker over 18 nor is she a silver service waitress, she's a 7 year old girl who doesn't eat very tidily.
I also don't want any drips of bleach on any of our carpets, floors, other clothes, wooden worktops etc. etc.

@LewishamMum. Apologies if these have already been mentioned as I've not read through all the posts but Brooklands, Millennium, Halstow and Meridian primaries in Greenwich are all non uniform. Three of the four are outstanding and Meridian - although classed as 'good' is an incredible school. The schools have very deliberately chosen to be non uniform.

The catchments are very, very small though so you'd really need to do your homework.
In terms of secondaries, Thomas Tallis in Greenwich has the most relaxed uniform policy of any secondary I've come across. The children can wear any shoes (someone I know wears green converse) and they can also have literally any hairstyle or colour. The only compulsory uniform is a polo shirt and black trousers/skirt.

They have a school sweatshirt but it's 100% optional, and photos suggest most kids don't wear it. It's the one thing mine will be banned from having (Superman capes are fine, although Superwoman ones better smile). Nice to know there are a few options though. As my DD is only 5mo I'll try not to worry about secondary schools just yet!!!

You’d ban your child from having a school sweatshirt??

I see your DC is only 5 months old. That explains a lot 😆

Oh shes 5 months old.

Now this makes more sense 😂😂😂

@LewishamMum

Thanks for the recommendations for schools. Based on where I currently live the only one in walking distance in Brindishe Green. They have a school sweatshirt but it's 100% optional, and photos suggest most kids don't wear it. It's the one thing mine will be banned from having (Superman capes are fine, although Superwoman ones better :)). Nice to know there are a few options though.

As my DD is only 5mo I'll try not to worry about secondary schools just yet!!!

But what would you do if DD BEGS you for the branded sweatshirt?

Don't worry OP I have never ironed one single item of uniform for my 2 boys and they've always had quite involved, traditional prep school uniform. Even the button shirts the older one will wear next year can be no-iron type shirts. Most primary schools have polos and sweatshirts - again zero ironing. I love uniform and loathe holiday camp mornings (like this morning) fighting with them about what they want to wear vs what would pass as vaguely appropriate ! I really wouldn't limit your child's educational progress on the basis of a t shirt and sweatshirt - most primaries are flexible for the little ones anyway judging by the littlies I see walking to the many primary schools around us.

Oh I missed the 5 months old update! Blimey I dread to think of all the resolute decisions I unmade between 5 months old and start of school. Relax!

[quote LewishamMum]@Soontobe60
But what about the hassle of uniforms - having to have the "right" Tshirt ready for gym, rather than anyone that will do?
Having to constantly make sure you've got the right version of everything?
Sounds like a right hassle to me.[/quote]
At the start of the school year I would buy a set of everything for school, which my child would help choose - so they decide what style trousers / skirt, shoes etc in the uniform colours. The schools I’ve worked in have all had the same type of polo shirt - plain white from any high street store, plain white t shirts and black shorts for PE, again available from most supermarkets. I’m very organised so made sure anything uniform related went in one drawer for easy dressing each morning. It’s hard enough negotiating what to have for breakfast, or take for snack / packed lunch without the added hassle of finding something suitable for school. I appreciate that its not for everyone, and many schools do have a no uniform policy, but I bet they have a dress code - such as no high heels, or t shirts with offensive images on 🤣.

Of all the things for someone to get worked up about. Schools have uniform (generally generic and inexpensive) mostly because it's practical for all the activities that children do in school. A Superman cape will be taken from any child as it's not safe (due to the risk of strangulation), party frocks and sparkly shoes aren't going to cut it either in the dark days of November. How are you going to cope when your little one comes home covered in paint and glue for the third time in a week? You'd be surprised how many parents completely lost their shit over this when I ran a relaxed uniform school nursery. OP your child will express their individuality no matter what they wear because they are unique. Every child is special. Yours no more so than anyone else's. She will also have to follow a set of rules whilst at school which may also impinge on her rights as an 'individual'. Oh dear, I fear you're in for quite a tough ride.

@Legoninjago1

Don't worry OP I have never ironed one single item of uniform for my 2 boys and they've always had quite involved, traditional prep school uniform. Even the button shirts the older one will wear next year can be no-iron type shirts. Most primary schools have polos and sweatshirts - again zero ironing. I love uniform and loathe holiday camp mornings (like this morning) fighting with them about what they want to wear vs what would pass as vaguely appropriate ! I really wouldn't limit your child's educational progress on the basis of a t shirt and sweatshirt - most primaries are flexible for the little ones anyway judging by the littlies I see walking to the many primary schools around us.

Sorry I meant options not progress

I see a few people have already mentioned Honeywell in Battersea

Slightly hysterical at OP equating non-uniform schools with free spirited frugal parents and children - half the parents at Honeywell are Telegraph journalists, and the 250m catchment is almost exclusively £2m+ houses 😂😂

@GappyValley
Then we won't be going there then!

And also now just seen the 5mo update..!

Oh OP, are you in for a shock when your child self appoints a uniform of their one favourite jumper that they insist on every day
And it’s inevitably an awful character one from Disney which you got as a present from a batty relative and hoped would never see the light of day

@LewishamMum I don't knew if anyone has mentioned these yet but both Ashmead (lewisham/deptford area) and Fairlawn (Honor oak/forest hill) are non uniform.

@MrsPatterson2014

My friend has children in a school in Lewisham with no uniform and they call the teacher by their first name. Deptford/St John's area.

Ashmead. It's a lovely school

Also suggest joining local Facebook groups like SE23 Mums and I Love SE4 etc, so that you can (hopefully) just get answers to your questions and not people who are bored and looking for an argument

OP, where do you stand on smocks?

Because my DS gets to pick whatever he wants to wear but then it’s covered over with a big branded smock to keep him clean

Am I stifling his individuality to save my laundry pile..?

@GappyValley

OP, where do you stand on smocks?

Because my DS gets to pick whatever he wants to wear but then it’s covered over with a big branded smock to keep him clean

Am I stifling his individuality to save my laundry pile..?

What a great idea. I've never heard of those.

I was eye rolling so hard that it hurt even before the 5mo update.

The Brindishe Green admissions distance is about 500m, so make sure you’re really close by if that’s the school you’re after!