Why Uniform?

Why Uniform?

Promoting the benefits

Why do we still have uniforms at school? In these days of individual freedom, aren’t they a throwback to the past that we ought now to set aside? And wouldn’t it be simpler and cheaper if children could simply wear what they liked? Surely, it’s time we thought again…

These sorts of questions will be familiar to any schoolwear retailer and indeed to any teacher or parent. At first hearing, they might seem to have some strength. But look a little closer and the case for uniform and sportswear polices get stronger the more we examine it. Indeed, in what are increasingly uncertain times, the need to give our young people stability and certainty has never been greater.

Leading suppliers such as Banner, supported by the Schoolwear Association, played a leading role in the consultations which led to the recent guidance for schools in relation to the cost of uniforms. During that process, it became clear to all parties that the benefits far outweigh the concerns, and that having a modern and affordable uniform policy is in the best interests of students, parents, schools and their communities.

Drawing on the latest research, here at Insight, we’ve summarised why uniform matters to each of these stakeholders.

GOOD TO KNOW - Wearing uniform during the COVID 19 pandemic promotes safe behaviour and helps to reduce the spread of Coronavirus in classes and at home.

GOOD TO KNOW - Uniforms made from recycled fabrics encourage awareness of climate change and responsible practice. Surveys confirm that young people care about how and where their uniform is made. -

GOOD TO KNOW - Banner uniforms and sportswear are independently wash tested to ensure durability and value.

Student

For all that young people (especially teenagers) might moan about some aspects of schoolwear, the deeper truth is that uniform provides them with a sense of identity and pride. Furthermore, it helps to ‘level up’ the appearance of students, lessening any risk of exclusion or embarrassment to those children from lower income households who might not afford the latest trends and brands.

•A sense of identity

•Pride in their school

•Self-esteem for all

•Sports teams they can cheer for

•Less bullying and peer pressure

•Togetherness at school and beyond

Parents

Parents have a vested interest, not only in the cost of uniform, but also in the quality and durability of clothes that will be worn every day. What’s more, the wellbeing of their children will be one of their chief concerns too. In all these regards, uniforms have clear advantages over a ‘free for all’ policy which leads to uncertainty and pressure for both parents and students.

•Durability of clothes ‘designed for the job’

•Clear prices and excellent value

•Less ‘pester pressure’ for fast fashion items

•Support and subsidy for those on low incomes

Schools

For schools, uniforms have many advantages. Research shows that uniforms lead to better behaviour in class, fewer incidents of bullying, and perhaps most important of all, a sense of pride and belonging that comes with the school’s identity. Quality sportswear is vital for inclusion and high performance too. Again, research clearly shows that participation is much improved by good design and the sense of togetherness that school sportswear brings.

•Positive identity, pride and belonging

•Promotes school values

•Improved behaviour in school and outside

•Better academic and sporting achievement

•Promoting inclusion and togetherness

•Reduced social inequality at school

Communities

The wider community also benefits from uniform polices in their local schools. A distinctive local school uniform is a form of branding for the community, often uniting generations through a shared heritage and pride of place. Towns and districts are represented by their schools at festivals, town twinning and sporting events—a smart uniform or team kit gives a visual identity to these occasions.

Safety for all

Safety is a vital consideration for all stakeholders and uniforms can play a vital role in keeping student safe. Uniforms help to identify children when they are outside of school or on school trips. They also identify those on school grounds who are not wearing uniform, ensuring unauthorised visitors can be easily spotted.

GOOD TO KNOW - Uniforms are worm up to 195 days per year, making them among the most worn items for any young person.

GOOD TO KNOW - The average cost of a full school uniform and sportswear at secondary school is £101 per student. And because uniforms last the average annual spend of compulsory items is less than £40 per student. *