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A secondary school teacher in Derbyshire highlights daily frustrations with enforcing a strict uniform code, particularly repeating instructions like “tuck your shirt in.” At her school, pupils are required to wear a blazer, shirt, and tie, and non-compliance, such as forgetting a tie or painting nails, can lead to detentions. The teacher describes the uniform as visually uncomfortable and criticizes the routine checks, which involve staff standing at school entrances to ensure students adhere to uniform standards. These checks, she notes, tend to disrupt both teaching and learning time.
In contrast, Alvaston Moor Academy, another secondary school in Derbyshire, has opted to simplify their dress code. Starting from September, the school will replace blazers and ties with a more practical combination of a black all-weather jacket and polo shirt. The same Derbyshire teacher praised this change, calling the new uniform “genius” for its blend of comfort and smartness. This shift reflects a wider trend across some UK schools where traditional, often rigid uniforms are being reconsidered in favor of items that support increased activity and comfort for pupils.
Traditional uniforms, featuring blazers and ties, remain widespread, especially in secondary schools, where a 2020 study found that 90% of state secondary schools in Scotland required ties, and 66% instructed pupils to wear blazers. However, opponents of these strict dress codes argue that such attire can be impractical. For example, some parents and teachers express concerns about blazers causing discomfort due to weather conditions—either being too cold or too hot. This issue is particularly significant for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Duncan from Devon describes his autistic daughter’s struggle with sensory sensitivities related to uniform fabrics and logos, which hindered her school attendance until she switched to a more accepting, flexible school environment without a strict uniform policy.
The push toward more accommodating uniforms extends beyond secondary education into primary schools, where the focus is often on encouraging children to be physically active. Sport England reports that over half of children aged 5 to 16 failed to meet recommended daily physical activity levels in the 2023-2024 academic year. Scholars like Helen Dodd from the University of Exeter argue that traditional uniforms can limit children’s movement and play, citing studies that show sportswear can increase activity levels during breaks. Many schools have adapted their dress codes since the pandemic, allowing pupils to wear sports kits for PE days or adopting fully active uniforms. For instance, Dame Dorothy Primary School in Sunderland transitioned to a uniform featuring leggings, jogging bottoms, t-shirts, and hoodies, which has positively impacted attendance, behavior, and physical activity. This more relaxed approach is seen as beneficial, particularly for girls, by encouraging more active play without sacrificing a smart appearance
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