School uniforms encourage better behaviour, says minister

Among successful schools, a common characteristic was a "strong sense of ethos", said the minister.

Uniforms reinforce a sense of discipline, he said, and he offered "unambiguous" support for dress codes.

"School uniforms are an important part of creating the kind of environment that contributes to raising school standards," Mr Lewis said.

Last week, hundreds of pupils at a secondary school in Leamington Spa disrupted lessons with a walk-out staged in protest against the introduction of uniforms.

'Self-respect'

But the education minister said that there were positive links between uniform, good behaviour and successful schools.

We haven't, probably over a generation, taken discipline and behaviour seriously enough. And that I believe has let our children down Ivan Lewis, Education Minister

"Uniform undoubtedly contributes to promoting both self-respect and respect for the school," said Mr Lewis, speaking in BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

The minister said that uniform was part of an ethos that helped to create better discipline - and said that too many young people had been "let down" by schools that had not put enough emphasis on behaviour.

"We know that one of the reasons why kids under-perform, and why we have some of the anti-social behaviour problems, is that we haven't, probably over a generation, taken discipline and behaviour seriously enough. And that I believe has let our children down," said Mr Lewis.

Safety

Mr Lewis also argued that uniforms could help with protecting children - making sure that schools could recognise who should, and who should not, be on school premises.

He also said that uniforms were fairer, particularly for families who would struggle to afford buying fashionable clothes for their children.

Another benefit put forward by the minister was that wearing uniform was good preparation for the "real world", where in the workplace there would be "requirements to conform" over appearance.

What are your views on the issues raised above?

Arguments over what to wear have been taken out of the equation John, England

As a parent of five children I can not overstate how grateful I have been for school uniform. Although manufacturers and some retailers have exploited the requirements for uniform it has still been far more cost effective than the treadmill of designer clothes and trainers. This has been particularly important because of our low income. In addition arguments over what to wear have been taken out of the equation which simplifies getting everyone out of the house and to school.
John, England

At Winchester College, which has come number one two years running for A-Level results in a number of league tables, there is no fixed uniform - just a general guide to dress smartly. And, despite supposedly being an 'elitist' establishment, those who didn't dress expensively are not looked down upon. My outfits there cost less than my (overpriced) local state school uniform equivalents.
Anon, UK

I heartily agree. Here in France schools uniforms have long gone out of use. I have two teenagers (boy and girl) one in a state and the other in a private school. I find there is a lot of pressure from peers to dress fashionably. Besides the expense, my children resent being "judged" according to the way they dress. While on holiday in Britain last summer, they envied British kids for their uniforms!
C. Josse, France

Pupils out of uniform are less willing to conform to accepted codes of behaviour Philip Meers, England

At the school I work in, we recently had a non-uniform day for charity. A laudable idea, but to be honest one that I dread. Even some of the pupils commented that it seemed as if 'non-uniform day' was also 'no rules day'. In my experience pupils out of uniform are less willing to conform to accepted codes of behaviour.
Philip Meers, England

My previous school didn't let girls wear trousers, even in the winter. School uniform is a good thing, within reason, although it should not be made too restricting.
Francesca, UK

Strongly agree that strict school uniforms are for the benefit of the child, especially for the poorer, the weaker and the bullied.
Fr John Ryder, UK

Uniforms are hated by the children themselves Shan, UK

I know of no reputable research which shows uniforms contribute to study skills or self organisation. They do seem however to foster competitive, snobbish values, and are associated with the same type of school. Families have to struggle to buy greatly overpriced, poor quality gear. Uniforms are hated by the children themselves. The resentment triggered does anything BUT contribute to discipline.
Shan, UK

As a headteacher, I overwhelmingly endorse the minister's statements. Uniform is a leveller, eradicates fashion-competition amongst students and does instil in students a sense of dressing appropriately for work. I would hate to work in a school with no uniform!
Helen Freeborn, UK

If uniforms are to be truly fairer then they should be made available at a price all parents can afford. Even when I was at school, some 25 years ago, it was possible to identify the poorer families because they had to make do with second hand uniforms.
Pete, England

Funny, that. I spent years "enforcing" uniform on reluctant British kids - a waste of valuable school time for both parties. Now here I am teaching in Belgium. No uniform - the students wear what they like. And guess what - they learn just as well.
Johnny Rooke, Belgium

They help a child to feel proud of the school which they attend Zena Taylor, Canada

I think school uniforms are an excellent idea. They help a child to feel proud of the school which they attend. Uniforms look smart and are a boon for poorer families. This competition for designer jeans and runners is absurd. Let the kids compete between schools in sports and education. They need to learn self worth and put their values in a correct perspective not in materialism.
Zena Taylor, Canada

Uniforms teach children that different equals bad. If schools create an environment where it is allowed to punish those who do not conform, then children are more likely to grow up believing that other forms of discrimination are acceptable.
Pete, UK