Shuggy has an interesting post on school uniforms.
Having just left school fairly recently, I can say that I am 100% convinced that school uniforms have absolutely no bearing on results. When I first went to primary school I wore uniform, but gradually that faded away until Primary 7 when I hardly wore uniform at all. I didn’t become an idiot during Primary 7.
My high school was stricter with uniforms, but only up to a point. You could pretty much wear whatever you wanted so long as it could accomodate a school tie and it wasn’t too over the top. A reasonable compromise, I think. You have your school tie, you look reasonably smart, but there’s still just enough flexibility for you to express your individuality.
Shuggy says:
…there are also one or two specifically left-wing arguments that one can make for a uniform policy. Pupils, left to their own devices, do not express their individuality. Instead, one gets rampant consumerism, with pupils vying for status with the latest, most funky labeled goods. In this context, uniform can be a force for equality…
Whenever the school uniform was challenged at our school we were told that it was important because children whose parents couldn’t afford the latest “designer gear” (the rector’s words) would get bullied for not wearing the designer gear or the trendiest trainers.
But when you consider that a decent-looking school uniform costs at least £100, according to my mother at least, then that argument falls apart a wee bit. Because how many idiots are going to spend over £100 on trainers just because they’re trendy? And just imagine how much a school uniform costs if you’re made to wear a blazer and goodness-knows-what-else…
taz
24 August 2005 21:13
#1
We all see those familiar early Back to School signs, aimed to get you to buy your child’s school uniform early and avoid the last minute rush just before the schools reopen. It is big business. With competition so good, a primary school outfit could cost as little as under £10 (based on smallest sizes from Asda and Woolworth catalogues).
But can our children wear these uniforms in their school?
Many parents are unable to buy these bargain uniforms as many schools have uniforms sporting their school logo identifying the school at which their children attend.
We all know as parents how much we have to pay out each year on school uniforms.
It’s not normally just in September either! How often have your children lost a tie in the changing rooms whilst getting changed for PE, or come home with a hole in the knee of their trousers after falling over when out playing one lunchtime, or simply grown out or their uniform in the middle of the year?
Any parents who have to buy uniforms bearing the school logo will know that the cost of these uniforms is much greater; it’s not possible to buy an entire uniform for under £10 in this case!
Unfortunately many schools use only one official supplier for their uniforms, therefore leaving the selling price of the uniform up to the supplier; and with no competition from other suppliers, this could be as high as they want!
· Fairfield High School for Girls, Droylsden, have a pin-stripe skirt and a unique colour blouse and they have a copyright on their logo for the jumpers.
· Barlow High School, Manchester, have introduced a skirt and trouser with their insignia on.
· Parrswood Technology College, Manchester, have copyright of their school logo so only their appointed supplier can sell their sweatshirt and polo shirt uniform.
· St. James RC High School, Stockport only have one official supplier to purchase their striped jumpers, ties, blazers with the badge on and PE Kit.
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) in response to this matter state that the market share is not big enough to intervene.
‘Parents.gov.uk’ website states;
“When setting a uniform policy, school governing bodies must behave reasonably, considering the impact of their policies on parents and pupils. Governing bodies should consult parents for their views and concerns before deciding on the introduction of a new uniform policy / dress code, or amending an existing oneâ€. The website also says “in deciding the format of their school uniform, school governing bodies are expected to give high priority to cost considerations.â€
Recently Cheadle Hulme School, Stockport have introduced a new blazer along with a new logo for both the blazer and PE kit. The school considered more than one supplier but eventually awarded the contract to a company other than the company offering the cheapest price! MCS Stores in Manchester offered a starting price £5 lower than the tender the school chose. MCS Stores were told by the school that they may only sell the new uniform and blazer with the badge after September but may sell the PE kit plain without the new logo on in the meantime. How many of us would buy our children a school uniform different to the uniform all the other children in the school are wearing?
By giving the monopoly to one company that is not offering the lowest price means that we as parents will be paying more for our children’s uniforms. Shouldn’t our schools be helping us, not causing us unneccessary expense?
Should we have to pay so much for our children’s school uniforms with logos when there is no other supplier?
Have we as parents got a fair deal?
Are we told which supermarket we must buy our groceries from, or do we shop around picking up the best value for money items from several supermarkets?
Do we negotiate with the mobile contracter at the end of the year to get the latest phone with the best discounted line rental?
Why arn’t we offered the same selection when buying our school uniforms?
In 2002 the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (DfES) announced good practice guidance regarding school uniforms, this included the statement:
“Parents are consulted on proposed changes to existing uniform policy, or where a new uniform policy is to be introduced.â€
It also stressed that best value can be achieved through having more than one supplier for school uniforms. This guidance was introduced following reports from both the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux and the Family Welfare Association regarding the subject of the rising cost of school uniforms.
If we truly live in a democracy where there is freedom of choice, how are decisions like this made?
Under the freedom of information act should we be told why we are not given enough choice to shop around for our children’s school uniform or how only one official supplier is given all the business?
Should the local shops near to the school automatically be allowed to provide the official school uniform? The businesses in the local area will pay local rates and taxes and so consequently contribute money to the school. Local shops are also more convenient for parents; often living within walking distance of them. Why should we have to pay travelling costs on top of the price of our children’s uniform? As is often the case, the local bussiness offer a better deal. Many local shops offer a personal service and we should be aiming at keeping our local shops thriving.
It is clear that the guidance is not enough and that we as consumers need to bring about change so that legislation can be bought in. Is it time that the OFT and competition commision (CC) did something?
The list of schools is not exhaustive, there are many more. If you feel that you want to be heard, and feel that the cost of school uniforms are becoming too expensive, then follow the links to e-mail your concerns at; http://www.dti.gov.uk; http://www.competition-commission.org.uk; http://www.oft.gov.uk; http://www.parents.gov.uk; and your local council education department.