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Every term my son has a uniform-free day at his secondary school, when pupils are encouraged to donate money to a nominated charity for the ‘privilege’ of being allowed to wear their own clothes. Recently he admitted he actually prefers to wear a , because it’s easier and there’s no pressure to keep up with the latest fashions. I was surprised, particularly when for seven years he went to our local primary school which has no uniform.��

Most schools in England do have a uniform or dress code and this is encouraged by the . Yet in many European and most American schools, children are not required to wear a uniform and there’s no definitive evidence, that wearing one makes a difference to behaviour or academic success. As my son has experience of both options, I asked him to explain what it was like not having a uniform at primary school:

“When you’re younger you feel more comfortable in your own clothes. We wore trainers so it was easier to run about in the playground. It was nice that we didn’t all look the same and it was easier to find your own clothes if they weren’t labelled!”

Loss of individuality is often cited, as a reason not to have a school uniform and I’m not keen on seeing young children dressed identically. My daughter goes to the same uniform-free primary school that my son attended and I like to see the vibrant colours and patterns, the pretty dresses in summer, the fun tights and trainers in winter. The teachers prefer it too, as it means they don’t spend time enforcing school uniform rules or sorting out unlabelled, identical clothing items.��

So am I advocating that we abandon school uniforms in favour of the ubiquitous jeans and hoodies? No, not really, or at least not at secondary school. A uniform can instil a sense of pride and identity in the school – perhaps felt more by the parents than the pupils - and ensures that all pupils are on the same level, regardless of race or background. There is probably less bullying��about wearing the latest trends too, although the fashion conscious usually find ways to customise their uniform. On the other hand, rivalry between secondary schools is common and pupils are easily identified by their uniform.

In my experience, uniform-free is more expensive, partly because the cost of uniforms, seems to have come down in recent years. Now that my son wears a uniform his weekend clothes last longer, he doesn’t need as many and most uniform items can be at supermarkets.��

I would prefer a more casual approach to the school uniform. To me, there is something unnatural about children wearing a jacket and tie. Instead a polo-style top (and sweater in winter) with trousers/skirt, in the school’s chosen colours, would be more comfortable, cheaper and cooler in warm weather. However, I suspect it’s a debate that will continue to get parents, pupils and teachers hot under the collar for many years to come!

Sarah Kingsley is a freelance writer and a member of the �������� Parent Panel.

Listen to �������� Woman’s Hour report on ‘customisation” of school uniforms.

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