WE know how it normally works in schools: the pupils are told what to do by the adults. But what would happen if the pupils were given the chance to take an important decision for themselves? Would they rebel against authority? Would chaos reign? Actually, the results of a decision to consult the pupils at one school in Aberdeen were rather surprising.
The authorities at Westhill Academy decided to consult the pupils on an important question: whether the school should have a uniform. For all its 39 years, Westhill has pretty much allowed its pupils to decide for themselves what they wear. However, the new head Alison Reid said she began to detect an interest among some pupils in having a uniform so decided to put it to a vote. The result, by three to one, was in favour of uniforms.
On the fact of it, this does look surprising. Don’t all teenagers want to rebel against conformity? And isn’t one of the traditional ways for young people to express their difference not through their clothes? Probably. But the headteacher thinks one of the reasons her pupils voted for a uniform instead is that they missed have a visible identity when they were representing the school at events.
This has always been one of the arguments advanced in favour of uniforms: that they help foster a stronger link between a school and its pupils and create a sense of identity. There are other strong reasons why uniforms can be a good thing: they promote discipline, they encourage pride in the school, pupils are forced to express themselves through their character rather than what they wear, and, finally, uniforms are a great leveller and help to hide the differences in pupils’ socio-economic background because everyone is wearing the same thing.
All of these arguments are convincing and help explain why there has been a recent trend for more state schools to adopt formal uniforms. However, Westhill Academy, and other schools, should bear in mind some concerns about the supposed levelling qualities of uniforms. Yes, everyone has to wear pretty much the same thing but it is not too hard to tell the difference between a designer black jumper and something similar from a supermarket. At £300 a year on average per pupil, some families can also struggle to afford the cost of uniforms.
The answer is for every school to be careful that their uniform policy does not place undue pressure on family budgets and Westhill should review its policy after a year to ensure it is meeting this test. The Scottish Government should also keep a close watch on school clothing grants, which are now set at a minimum of £100 across the country, to ensure they are fit for purpose.
The pupils of Westhill have voted to adopt a uniform for good solid reasons. But it is up to every school to ensure that the policy works for all their pupils.
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