school uniform

I think it's unfair to have such a complicated and expensive school uniform for young children.

When I was at school, there was a suggested school uniform but only two of the (better off) girls in the class wore it - which seemed a bit pointless to me.

I like the idea of a simple, practical secondary school uniform (that doesn't have to be bought from a specialist shop) but I don't really know why because I'm not a great fan of conformity.

number I bet grandma made sure your uniform was clean and tidy and shoes polished even if they were not of the best quality.
When I worked in schools it amazed me the grubby creased state of some children's uniforms. Some of whom were the children of the more affluent parents.

I know that the basic idea of uniform is that everybody is the same, but it doesn`t necessarily work that way, as the better off children wear better quality uniform clothes, that are replenished regularly, whilst the less well off, like me, who lived with my grandma, have to make do with the same, cheaper things for much longer. Therefore, we didn`t all look the same, some looked much smarter than others.

When my DC were at the local secondary school the uniform was a V-necked school jumper, bought through school, in blue for 1st-4th Years and purple for 5th & 6th Years. No jeans were allowed, and it was expected that trousers or skirts would be blue or black and that a polo shirt, blouse/shirt or polo neck (we have cold winters) in white, black or blue would be worn under the jumper. The result was that when they mixed with other schools, our school looked tidy, even though there was only one uniform garment, in contrast to other schools which had the tie and shirt look - every girl and some of the boys wearing their ties loosened as far as the 2nd or 3rd shirt button. Not a good look for a busty girl!

Sadly, after that we had an old-fashioned Rector who went back to the shirt and tie and IMO it doesn't look nearly so good. The other point is that shirts need ironing and the jumper labels said "Do Not Iron".

My children wore navy blue from 4 to 16. Teenagers naturally want to rebel and always try to adapt their hated uniform to the prevailing fashion. Schools react by banning whatever becomes desirable. After primary school the kids always look scruffy. The uniform they really want is jeans and trainers - cheap and practical.

DGCs school have specialist shop uniforms so DD has to shop there for their school uniform to conform with the exception of DGSs trousers which are standard black from M&S or similar,they both have to have jumpers with school badge and their name embroidered on the same badge and name on their school bag which again can only be bought from the supplier at costs that are OTT in my opinion but they know the school insists on these so DD has no other choice in the matter.This year for new uniform for DGS and school shoes for both of them the bill was touching £200.00 that was with PE stuff for little man but still outrageous.

@Vampirequeen - no-one buys coats to fit a child do they? Surely it's always 'you'll grow into it'! (By which time it's not fit to be seen and has to be replaced - with another oversize item.)

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/sep/05/heaton-manor-school-newcastle-apologises-pupils-detention-wrong-trousers?CMP=fb_gu

The uniform police appear to have gone OTT at a school in a very ordinary part of Newcastle.

GC's school have the badge woven on to garments and parents have to buy from school. I think parents are still able to purchase skirts and trousers from chain stores but everything else has to be ordered from school.

When we moved north, I had to buy complete new school uniform for two growing boys, including blazers and pricey sports kit. The first week, DS2 put out one elbow of his blazer and I could find no solution but to sew matching leather patches on both elbows for which he was teased by his mates which, in my opinion, served him right. Only a year or so later, the school abolished blazers in favour of jumpers with a school badge on them. He managed to make his jumper look equally scruffy.

I do approve of school uniform, just not the type that comes from specialist shops. Particularly not for primary school.
My friends daughter had to wear red and white striped shirt for school. She's always been a large girl and my friend had to order them specially at great cost.

My school uniform was grey skirt, white blouse, grey and red striped tie and navy blue v-neck cardigan. Not very inspiring.
My DS was at primary school during the reign of the mutant ninja turtles on TV. The first half term, he went through EIGHT pairs of trousers (patched to make them last longer), sliding on his knees in the playground. Cowabunga Dudes.

My school had a non-mandatory school uniform. Most of us wore the blazer - royal blue which faded to sky blue in the sea air - but we could wear any skirt we wanted. On special occasions, we wore the full Monty but as long as the skirts were navy blue the style didn't matter. This was in the 40s and 50s so mini skirts weren't in the picture. I think we were unique in Scotland!

At my comp in 1959 all the first year girls wore their hats for the first week or so and never again. Teachers were not concerned about hats.

I think a uniform is a good idea as it stops fashion inflation in schools. If incurbed children would go to schools trying to outdo each other as fashion items.
Which is very difficult for those who cannot afford to play that game.

A choir I belong to decided we should try Tee shirts in a range of four colours. It just looked like a total mess and did not like an organised group.
It's all in the mind but a corporate appearance makes a big difference when you are supposed to be singing as a group. Same with school children.

We had a green beret we were supposed to wear. I remember being stopped at the school gate by the Uniform Police because it was sat atop my beehive and secured by kirby grips. So that was a detention.
Next day I wore it pulled low over my brow, Michael Crawford style, but this apparently wasn't acceptable to the UP either so another detention!

As a very ex-teacher my memories of seeing the children in uniform on a school trip was a godsend!

Naturally I loathed my own school uniform with its po type hat and long skirt which as we went up the school we rolled up at the waist and a navy button up cardigan which some adventurous types wore back to front - very trendy!

I don't have a problem with uniform but it has to be suitable for purpose and at a reasonable cost. A five year old in an oversized blazer may look cute but what about snowy winter days. Does the parent have to buy two coats so that they have one that fits over the blazer and one that actually fits the child?

How else are you going to stamp out little cookie-cutter people if you can't start by making them all look the same?!

My memory is of starting at the new school in the full kit - blazer, cap, tie (fer cryin' out loud) and being proud. That wore off in the first year. The wretched cap was mandatory all the way through, though and was loathed by all...

I personally think school uniform is a good idea. However that said it should be more easily accessibly and affordable such as via supermarkets. DD always tries the second hand route first which saves a heck of a lot.

I approve of school uniform as it's a great social leveller, stops problems about what is suitable to wear to school and does set a standard within the school.

BUT it ought NOT to be only available at expensive specialist shops. Having said that I'm very aware when buying it so cheaply from supermarkets that someone else's child, who hasn't the possibility of an education, could be working a 12-hour shift in a factory in the third world in dangerous conditions for a pittance.

Most Acadamies seem to go down the new, more formal school uniform road. I think it's to tap into folk memories of the old grammar schools and make people think they're better schools than perhaps they are.

Nina I could not agree with you more on that issue. The school has just not considered the costs for hard up parents. It makes me very angry. I do agree with uniform but make it colours that are easily affordable.

DS returned to school Wednesday. On Thursday he forgot his key and climbed over the gate tearing his new school trousers!

I agree nina whatever happened to own clothes at primary school? It costs so much when they are at secondary to keep up with uniforms especially boys as they rip their trousers easily and girls want different fashions each term even though they are supposed to be non fashionable uniforms. They still find a way to make them look more "with it". I am glad I am past all that now as my son is in college and it's back to own clothes. His primary school still did own clothes, although it is 13 years ago now.