Firstly, I am not going to espouse the benefits of school uniform for student progress in school. There is no evidence to suggest that uniform does improve academic performance, behaviour or attendance. Some studies do show that there are changes in outcomes following the introduction of a school uniform policy but on the whole, these occur at the same time new behaviour policies or administrations take effect so it is difficult to link the two.
With that being said, uniforms are an absolute must in our schools and calls to get rid of them are wide of the mark. Recently in TES the argument was put forward that removing school uniform would actually benefit poorer families because uniforms are expensive (they are!) but again, the author has failed to take into account how such a shift to own-clothes would actually disadvantage those they are trying to support.
- School uniform creates a level playing field for all students, regardless of socio-economic background. Everybody looks the same.
This removes the stigma around wearing the latest fashion and ensures how someone looks isn’t a source of bullying for students. - The cost of the uniform will be lower than the cost of multiple new outfits and the latest in designer trainers. I’m not for a second suggesting that school uniform is cheap. However, one uniform to be worn for a year is more economical than multiple outfits and trying to keep up with current trends.
- There is a general belief that school uniform leads to improvements in pupils’ behaviour. It is important to remember that improved behaviour, on its own, does not necessarily lead to better learning, though it may be an important precondition.
So what can be done to reconcile these two positions where the cost of uniform is high but it has tangible benefits for students?
- The cost of school uniform needs to be decreased – Every item of clothing doesn’t need a school logo, school coloured sweatshirts with plain shirts and a tie which can be purchased with a school logo would suffice.
- Supermarkets and indeed lots of other suppliers offer cheaper uniform items without a logo – if having a logo is so important then perhaps consider allowing parents to sew these onto generic items so they match the expected standards.
- Schools can do more to help parents find suitable footwear. Wynsors provide a service where schools can actually approve footwear which is then publicised for parents. It helps to make the school style clear and also makes difficult conversations with parents easier.
- When a decision is made on what acceptable uniform looks like – make it clear to parents, answer questions and then police it… make sure the standard is applied and support those who are still struggling. Just because you have made uniform cheaper, it doesn’t mean it is suddenly in reach of everyone.
One million children live in families across England who are getting into debt to meet the rising cost of school uniforms – this cannot continue!