School uniforms in England facts for kids

Students at St Swithun's School wearing their school uniform.

School uniforms are a common sight in England. More than 90% of both primary and secondary schools require students to wear them. Parents need to buy these uniforms, and in 2015, the average cost was about £212.88 per child.

The Department for Education in England encourages schools to have uniforms. This helps all students feel like they belong to the school community. It also helps identify students within the school and tells them apart from visitors.

A Look Back: The History of School Uniforms

Statues from the 1700s showing charity school students in Rotherhithe, London.

The idea of school uniforms in England is very old. The first mention of a uniform for boys was in 1222. The Archbishop of Canterbury said students should wear a robe-like outfit called the "cappa clausa."

In the early 1500s, children at charity schools sometimes received second-hand clothes. In 1552, the Christ's Hospital charity gave its students a required uniform. It was a blue, clerical-style outfit. Their yellow underskirts were later changed to white in 1865.

Most schools did not have uniforms until the 1800s. The idea of uniforms grew as professional jobs started using them. Men's clothing also became more formal, and sportswear began to appear.

Uniforms Become More Common: The 1800s

The uniform of Eton College, which has looked similar since about 1820.

Around 1820, important public schools made their dress codes official. They based these on what wealthy children already wore. For example, Eton College introduced the Eton suit. This included a short dark jacket, grey trousers, a large white collar, and a top hat. Other public schools and grammar schools soon followed this trend.

In 1870, a new law made elementary education available to all children. Grammar school headteachers then put their students in uniforms. This helped to show the difference between their students and those at the new elementary schools. Younger boys at these schools often wore knickerbockers, black stockings, and a jacket.

For most of the 1800s, girls generally did not wear uniforms. However, as schools started teaching girls sports like gymnastics, special clothing was needed. Long skirts were not practical for active play. So, girls began wearing stretchy jerseys or loose blouses with knee-length skirts or 'bloomers.' By the end of the century, this practical sportswear became the general school uniform for girls.

Changes in the 1900s

A typical girls' school uniform from the 1950s.

A typical boy's grammar school uniform in 1953, with a tie, blazer, cap, and short trousers.

After the First World War, boys' uniforms changed. The old-fashioned knickerbockers were replaced by shorts for younger boys. Black stockings and boots were swapped for socks and shoes. Many schools chose specific colours for their blazers, sweaters, ties, and caps. They also had unique badges. This style of uniform for boys stayed much the same until the mid-1900s.

For girls, the gymslip became a key part of the school uniform by the 1920s. It was worn with a blouse and tie. Schools also had special knitted cardigans, sweaters, and blazers. Felt hats or straw boaters with school colours were also common. These formal uniforms were very specific. For example, at Kidbrooke School, which opened in 1954, girls wore air force blue uniforms with coloured berets.

By the 1960s, people started discussing school uniforms more. Some parents wanted uniforms to be more relaxed, like comfortable sweatshirts and polo shirts. Other parents wanted stricter, more formal uniforms. They believed this would help with discipline and improve school standards.

Where Do Uniforms Come From?

In the past, schools gave parents a list of required uniform items. Many of these items had special designs. Schools would tell parents which department stores sold these specific uniforms. Families sometimes traveled far to cities like London or Manchester just to buy school clothes.

This was a big business for stores. They often had entire floors dedicated to school uniforms. Well-known stores included John Lewis, Selfridges, and Harrods. There were also specialist shops. Uniform items often needed to be marked with Cash's name tapes.

Since the late 1950s, fewer uniform items are exclusive to certain shops. While blazers might still be special, trousers can often be bought from regular stores like Marks and Spencers. Some schools have also switched from wool blazers to polyester ones.

What People Think About Uniforms

Students from Raynes Park High School in school uniform.

Many parents believe that uniforms help all children feel like they belong at school. A study in 2017, funded by a uniform maker called Trutex, suggested that uniforms could help stop bullying.

However, there is no clear research showing that uniforms directly improve students' grades. Uniforms can also be a way for schools to encourage good behaviour and order.

When Uniforms Change or Cause Debates

Some schools have decided to stop using uniforms. For example, King Edward VI Community College in Totnes, Devon, removed its uniform in 2004. The head teacher said they spent too much time dealing with students not following uniform rules. They wanted to focus more on teaching and learning. However, the uniform was brought back in 2012 after parents asked for it.

In 2019, the head teacher of Marshland High School explained why their uniform was changing. He said it would help strengthen school values and behaviour. It would also make students feel more connected to their school and proud to be part of it. The school also bought one uniform set for each child and offered help to families who needed it.

Sometimes, uniforms can lead to protests. In 2017, during a heat wave, boys at Isca Academy wore skirts. They did this to protest not being allowed to wear shorts in the hot weather.

Understanding Uniform Costs

The cost of school uniforms can be a challenge for some families. Studies have shown that secondary schools often require more specific uniform items than primary schools.

What Uniform Items Are Needed?

Here are some items that many primary schools require:

Secondary schools usually have more compulsory items. Here are some common ones:

In 2015, the average total cost for all school uniform items was £212.88. This amount can be even higher if all items must be bought from a specific shop. If items can be bought anywhere, the cost tends to be lower.

Parents also need to buy sports kit. This can add to the overall cost. Items like T-shirts, trainers, and shorts are often required.

Making Uniforms Affordable

A school uniform shop showing different school logos on polo shirts.

Unbranded school uniform for sale at an Asda supermarket.

Boys attending Sandbach School in uniform, with their school shoes removed.

The Department for Education strongly believes uniforms help a school's spirit. They also say that school governors have the right to decide on the uniform.

However, governors must make sure uniforms are affordable for all families. No uniform should be so expensive that it stops a child from applying to or attending a school. Schools should choose items that are easy to buy and not too costly, like those found in supermarkets. They should also keep the number of branded items (with the school logo) to a minimum.

Schools should get the best value from their suppliers. Any savings should be passed on to parents. It is also recommended that schools avoid using only one supplier for uniforms. This helps ensure fair prices for families.

See also

In Spanish: Uniforme escolar inglés para niños

• Education in England