School Uniform

The concept of school uniform serves two purposes - to instill a sense of belonging and pride in the school and also to eliminate any idea of competition in the matter of personal dress. Most schools have very precise requirements and every school issues a uniform list which covers all items from general day-today wear (often including shoes) to more specialized sports wear and equipment.

Boys are required to wear shirt, tie, trousers and jacket (called a blazer), whilst girls usually wear the same with the substitution of a skirt for trousers. In winter an overcoat or raincoat will also be required plus a school scarf which is optional.

Some schools specify that all items of clothing (including shoes) must be of a certain make, whilst others will allow standard items such as white shirts and shoes to be purchased at will so long as they conform with the general standard. Some schools have on the school campus a shop supplying all items of school uniform. Usually items should be paid for at the time of issue, but some schools will put the items on the child's account to be paid at the end of term along with any other extra charges incurred during the course of the term (see school prices). Where a school does not have its own shop on campus, the school will specify the shop either in the local town or in London which is the approved supplier of the school's uniform and clothes must be purchased and paid for from these shops. All items must be clearly marked showing the child's surname and initials with name tapes which can be purchased from the school shop or approved supplier.

There is limited storage space in most schools for casual wear, so this should be kept to a minimum. Casual clothes may be worn after school hours and at weekends on the school premises. If a child visits the local town during the week or participates in any off-site school excursion or activity at any time, then school uniform must be worn. Casual clothes may usually be worn off the school premises at weekends.

Most schools allow some relaxation in the matter of uniform for older pupils, from the substitution of a blouse, shirt or sweater of the child's choice to a dress code proscribed by the school to complete freedom of dress provided that clothing is neat, clean and not too unorthodox in style.