School uniforms - good or bad? Differences between British and American School Uniform

There are a few schools in the UK without uniforms, but probably over 90% require uniforms.

 In the UK the kids in ‘private’, ‘public’ and ‘state’ schools all wear school uniform, unless you’re at trendy Bedales, where all the celebrity kids go, and then you can wear whatever you want, as long as it was bought in the King’s Road. 

Bedales School

The British school uniform nearly always consists of a: blazer, sweater, dress shirt, trousers (with the option of a skirt for girls). Most schools have students wear a tie, regardless of gender. Students must ask a teacher’s permission if they want to remove their blazer during class if they are too hot.Uniforms are made in the school’s designated colors. 

British Uniform

At ‘public’ schools in the USA the kids don’t wear school uniform, but they do in ‘private’ schools. 

This is an example of  ‘private’ school uniform in the USA. (picture from American TV - series Gossip Girl)

What's the point of school uniform?

"Uniforms show that you are part of an organisation. Wearing it says we're all in this together," Jason Wing, head teacher at the Neale-Wade academy in Cambridgeshire, says. Macy Vallance, a year-eight student, says: "I like uniforms because everyone is the same and no one can be left out by the way they are dressed. Our new uniform looks smarter, which is good." School uniform gives  a sense of belonging, takes away the pressure of what to wear and deters the bullies. A school uniform teaches students to dress smartly and take pride in their appearance. "Uniforms help students to prepare for when they leave school and may have to dress smartly or wear a uniform." In America, where a majority of schools do not have a uniform, roughly 160, 000 children miss school every day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students. This might not be directly linked to what they're wearing, but having a uniform can be a safety net for many students who might otherwise suffer from bullying. A strict uniform gives the impression that rules are strict too, perhaps helping maintain a sense of order at school. Although wearing a school uniform is less expensive than buying a whole wardrobe of outfits, uniform can still be pricey. Many schools have a specific supplier, and wearing cheaper alternatives can result in punishment if the black skirt you're wearing isn't exactly the right black skirt. Finding uniform that fits you, especially if you're limited to one shop, can also be a struggle.