27 May 2025
Journalist and former teacher Laura Bill asks local heads whether there is still a place for the traditional uniform in our schools – but is surprised by the lack of response…
Choking ties, polyester blazers, baggy jumpers, muddy trainers… There is really little difference between the school uniforms adopted by education establishments across the district, but have these traditional outfits had their day?
William Brookes School in Much Wenlock, Shropshire, recently hit national headlines after trialling a switch from uniforms to tracksuits ahead of introducing them in September.
Headteacher Ruth Shaw said she “really objects to the idea that what you wear is key to your learning experience” as she did not believe wearing a shirt and tie means students will learn any better.
So would schools in St Albans ever consider such a move? We asked a broad selection of headteachers reflecting different catchment areas what they thought.
We asked them what they thought of the Shropshire head’s initiative and whether they could see their school moving that way. We also offered an opportunity to speak about any other matter relating to uniform at their establishment.
Now, usually when we ask schools for a comment – on anything – they come back within a day or two with a helpful, informative, carefully considered response. But not this time.
Of the schools we initially contacted, nobody replied. We chased them all up with an email to the headteacher and then telephoned their office staff to make sure we would get some kind of answer on what we considered an important discussion.
Again, nada.
Maybe they initially thought the tracksuit thing was a load of nonsense or the email didn’t apply to them? But surely that wasn’t the case after they’d been contacted personally?
The lack of response perhaps highlights how contentious an issue the whole uniform debate is, and that many heads are obviously scared of putting their, er, heads above the parapet.
From those who didn’t want to get involved we had at least anticipated a vague reply, but instead some totally ignored all of our messages, and one said thanks for considering them but they wouldn’t be commenting this time.
The only one to offer a proper response, and we won’t single them out, merely said: “I have discussed this matter with the headteacher, and I can confirm our school is not planning to change our uniform at this present time.
“Should there be any future updates regarding our uniform policy or other school matters, we will ensure to keep you informed.”
So a case of thanks for thinking of us but we’re not really going to say anything substantial then.
And yes, we’ve seen in the news the whole issue of schools and in particular academies insisting on youngsters wearing specific-branded polyester items which cost more due to said specific branding. Of course they also usually make money for the school which could just be a happy coincidence aas to why they are so critical about the look of their students and proud they are sporting their logoed-up cheap nylon sports bag which matches their trousers. Highly necessary to the overall GCSE grades, I’m sure you’ll agree…
And neither does our new not-in-any-way-left-wing Labour Government, which brought in a stipulation that schools can only demand a couple of items branded with a logo to keep the cost down.
I bet some senior school leaders panicked when they heard that. You should hear how much their kids’ uniforms costs at the Too Rich For State School. (Even the straw boater is 35 quid and you can’t just get it from Asda, you know.)
So, plenty to debate about, perhaps. Anyway, it’s a shame our local headteachers didn’t think so. Never mind.
In fact, just in case they didn’t have the time to work on some passionate and reasoned responses, here you go heads, we’ve done it for you…
“Here at Cleverclogs we are very proud of our uniform. We – including our pupils – all like to look smart because it sets us up for adult life and puts us in the frame of mind to focus.
“We have a uniform review every few years and students and parents are part of that process.
“Regarding your suggestion that we might change it in the future – who knows? But we have no plans to.
“We can’t see how wearing tracksuits would help students prepare for being grown ups in St Albans, nor how it helps them to move around more during the day.
“Our uniforms are not uncomfortable. We also have a very active sport and games life here and our children are all happy to get changed into their kit.”
“Uniform is a leveller and generally helps everybody to feel equal and can reduce bullying between socioeconomic groups.
“Not that we get bullying at Cleverclogs.
“Obviously…”
