September marks the start of a new academic year and so for most students entering the school term it means stepping back into uniform.
For many of us school uniform consist of a colour-pop primary selection of colours, offset by darker bottoms, a button-up shirt, sensible shoes and perhaps a blazer you're destined to grow into by Year 11. But why are they imperative in the majority of our educational establishments?
The importance of uniform exists on several grounds. Uniforms quickly offer a sense of belonging, equality and can aid academic concentration. In fact, uniform is placed with such importance in the UK that it even has its own organistation: The Schoolwear Association.
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The SA estimates that over 90 per cent of British schools have an uniform of some entity and they make it their business to ensure that students and parents have access to good quality uniform throughout the year. "The SA believes that a distinctive uniform brings a sense of belonging," explained David Burgess, the association's chair, to Miss Vogue. "The Schoolwear Association promotes the benefits of a school-specific uniform to schools, students and parents. We believe them to be a positive factor in the behaviour and academic success of students inside and out of the classroom."
Its latest study alongside Oxford Brookes University and psychologist Dr Barbie Clarke proves this point. It found that wearing a uniform removes points of difference between students, thus unifying the student body and providing greater focus for academic work.
Uniforms - if not for creating a more egalitarian space - contribute significantly in student efficiency and productivity. As David explained: "A uniform also helps students to improve their academic concentration. Focus groups have found that many pupils chose to remain in their uniform outside of school to complete homework, to remain in the working mindset."
Think of your own Mufti Days, were they productive? Highly unlikely. The excitement of getting to wear your not-black, not-flat shoes is likely to have gone by lunch time but as The SA's research reveals your desire to get on with work is still not likely to have shown up. "While non-uniform days may be exciting, our research found that pupils viewed them as ‘non-work’ days, and teachers reported a drop in behaviour standards as a result," David added.
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Of course, the use of a uniform is most pertinent in eradicating bullying. "Many students feel relieved that they do not have to follow the latest fashion trends in their appearance at school," he explained. "As well as helping to reduce bullying, a uniform is central to fostering an egalitarian culture in schools. An official uniform places children from a range of backgrounds on a level footing from the first day at school, ensuring all have a fair start in their academic life."
Peer pressure can be a major cause of anxiety for the majority of young people, and a shared dresscode can help relieve this. "The SA knows that peer pressure is a major concern for young people, particularly those from a poorer socio-economic background, so a uniform is vital to ensure that all students are dressed in the same way and are treated equally by their peers," David explained.
A uniform also carries importance off school premises. How often have you been told that while you're in the school colours you're an ambassador for the entire organisation, even if it's 8pm and you're still helping your mum with the Tesco food shop? Probably quite a lot. School uniforms are a signifier of who you are and to which educational establishment you belong.
"A uniform is central to schools building a sense of community among students, staff and parents as well as the local community," David explained. "We find that students are proud to represent their school in public through their clothes, and those students attending schools without a distinctive uniform saw a badged blazer as a way to improve their school’s reputation."
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However, being easily identified as a pupil of a particular school can also have a darker side. As a friend of mine told me when I mentioned I was writing this article, it was her school uniform for a central London private school that made her an easy target to criminals.
Taking the bus by herself - as she had done to her previous non-uniformed school - the emblemed blazer she wore identified her as a pupil of this rather expensive day school. Besides the fact she was the benefactor of a total scholarship, the school strip placed her as part of this elite environment and saw her become the victim of mugging after school one evening.
"We passionately believe that a distinctive uniform has a hugely positive impact on a young person’s journey through the school system. We know that children are facing a range of unprecedented new challenges on their mental health and wellbeing, so a uniform is a vital way to relieve some pressure," David concluded. "By fostering a sense of belonging, helping to reduce levels of peer pressure and bullying, and providing a cost effective and easy method for parents to clothe their children between Monday and Friday, we believe that a uniform plays a critical role in the experience children have while at school."
School uniform is so much more than just the clothes you have to wear to school. Next time you're hating on it, remember its impact on your work, and your peers. But also know that one day, you'll put it on for the last time, and you're actually going to feel quite sad about that.
