‘It is just a bracelet, why does it matter’
Because…School uniform creates a sense of community and equality in a school environment, placing children on a level playing field and developing a sense of pride.
School uniform creates a sense of community and equality in a school environment, placing children on a level playing field and developing a sense of pride.
Although the continued importance of school uniform is regularly debated in the media, it appears that specific uniform policies are more popular among parents and students than you would imagine. Recently, pupils at a school in Aberdeen vote in favour of adopting a uniform policy after previously having a ‘come-as-you-please’ dress code and we have seen pupils across the country remark on the personal rewards of wearing a school uniform every day.
- A uniform is central to schools building a sense of community among students, staff and parents as well as the local community. We find that students are proud to represent their school in public through their clothes, and those students attending schools without a distinctive uniform saw a badged jumper as a way to improve their school’s reputation.
- When students all wear the same clothing every day at school, it levels out the playing field. Any expectations on what to wear are removed and children develop a greater sense of equality.
- Children of all socioeconomic backgrounds begin from the same starting point. Without uniforms, children from different backgrounds could feel isolated if their parents are unable to afford the latest styles of clothing.
- Creating a standard promotes the idea that we are all the same. Children come together from different backgrounds and can immediately identify a fellow member of their team from the clothes that they wear, breeding a sense of cohesion and commonality that is lost when school uniforms are removed.
- When children wear a uniform, as well as gaining a sense of pride schools often report improved discipline and concentration. This makes teachers’ jobs much easier and removes the sort of problems many will be familiar with on non-uniform days.
- Wearing a uniform sets a boundary by placing a pupil in a ‘working environment’ mindset and helps them separate their home and school life. School uniform places children on a level playing field, reducing the pressure to wear the latest fashionable brands.
- In 2018 we conducted a series of focus groups with pupils from Year 7 and Year 9 to get the inside views on uniforms. We found that many pupils chose to remain in their uniform outside of school to complete homework. Most children explained that it helped them stay focussed while they worked, keeping them in the ‘school mindset’. While non-uniform days may be exciting, our research found that pupils viewed them as ‘non-work’ days, and teachers reported a drop in behaviour standards as a result.
- School uniform plays a key role in promoting pride, self-confidence, and a feeling of belonging within the student body. These factors contribute to students’ wellbeing, removing the additional pressures of deciding what to wear and added stress of meeting the expectations of their peers. Uniform removes the points of difference between students, thus unifying the student body and providing a greater focus on academic work.
- Without a uniform, what you wear can end up defining you rather than the content of your character. Students should be prioritising the development of their personality, having the confidence to be who they are and not be defined by material things like the clothes they wear.
- With a school uniform, students can express themselves in more meaningful ways, which helps to develop their creativity.
At The Farnley Academy we are extreme proud of our high expectations and standards, and this starts with and evident with our Uniform Policy. Please ensure that all students play their part and attend school every day in the correct Uniform.
