Jack McConnell: "Positive ethos"

"School uniforms send out a strong signal that a school is firmly committed to developing a positive ethos," he said.

"A school with a positive ethos will encourage achievement, celebrate successes, have high expectations of every child, have lower exclusion rates, and fewer discipline problems."

The Wester Hailes school has 500 students aged between 12 and 18.

The new uniform was officially launched by the school on Wednesday.

Pupils will wear a navy sweatshirt, polo-shirt or T-shirt, or a white polo shirt, all sporting the school logo.

There are no rules for jackets, trousers or shoes, and neither jeans nor tracksuit bottoms are banned - but pupils are asked to wear plain colours and avoid brand-names.

Ballot of pupils

Head teacher Alex Wood said: "Six months ago I was approached by some of our second-year pupils.

"There was some bullying and name-calling going on around who was wearing what kind of clothes, and whether they were brand name or cheap.

"Their view was that some uniform system would reduce that.

Alex Wood: "Symbol for the kids"

"And youngsters who went to other local schools that had uniforms were insulting them, saying they were scruffy."

Wester Hailes, which opened in 1978, had never had uniforms, but after the youngsters' approach Mr Wood organised a ballot of pupils.

The introduction of the shirts, which are being sold through the school, was helped by sponsorship deals which resulted in free football and basketball strips, and buy-one-get-one-free uniform deals.

"A lot of schools have adopted this kind of uniform, and we are not the first to do it," said Mr Wood.

"But we are the first to adopt school uniforms since the task group recommended it.

"We are looking forward to the new uniform being a symbol for the kids of a new commitment to the school, and an improvement in behaviour."