Don’t underestimate the importance of school uniforms

With the new Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, being a fan of failed progressive teaching techniques, I was fearful about what else she was going to introduce.

Some years ago, there was a trendy train of thought in progressive education circles which argued against school uniforms.

Spurious arguments were put forward to encourage schools to abandon them – many of which did.

They stated that uniforms stifled individuality and self-expression, and denying children this freedom could harm their self-confidence.

I feared that Bridget Phillipson – who is an advocate of more progressive teaching methods and wants more central control over schools – would go down the ‘no uniform’ route.

However, what she is attempting to do through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill is reduce the number of compulsory branded items children require for their uniform.

The government says this will save families money – although manufacturers say it could actually end up costing them more.

If the Bill becomes law, seven in 10 secondary schools and 35 per cent of primary schools will have to reduce the number of branded items.

The important thing is that uniforms are being maintained.

Why?

Because having a school uniform brings important advantages to a school and all the children.

Uniforms help children feel a sense of belonging and pride in connection with an institution.

They establish discipline – a child should look smart and ready to work.

They help develop a sense of identity by segmenting a child’s life into different time frames; when I’m at home I wear what I like, when I’m at school I wear school uniform.

They prevent wealthier children from distinguishing themselves from poorer children by wearing designer clothes – they all have to wear the same thing.

Uniforms should be practical and not restrictive to ensure the child can perform all the necessary tasks at school.

Uniform banks are a great idea and should be common practice – uniforms can be used again if they are cleaned and in good order.

To ensure quality, uniforms should be provided by recognised and designated retailers and pricing control, or caps should be imposed to ensure there is no profiteering.

The uniform should clearly identify what school the child attends, however, many items are branded.

I am pleased that uniforms will remain although the policy to make them cheaper could end up having the opposite effect.

ends