Re André Spicer’s article on school uniforms (Not even bankers wear ties and blazers any more. So why should schoolchildren?, 25 September), I attended an all-girls grammar school in the 1960s and we were governed by a strict code regarding uniforms, with infringements punished. I was reported to have been seen outside school wearing my beret inappropriately (stuck on the back of my head). I was required to report to the headmistress, and on leaving in the afternoon to wear my beret in the prescribed fashion. Needless to say, this did not change my behaviour and it did not restrict my academic performance.
Jennifer Mackie
Aboyne, Aberdeenshire
• As the chair of governors of a secondary school who has always voted for the abolition of school uniforms, but been in a minority of one when fellow governors have discussed the issue, I support André Spicer’s arguments. I can add two others – abolishing uniforms would result in saving an incalculable amount of teachers’ time and frustration in policing uniforms, and in an equally incalculable amount of improvement in student motivation and goodwill.
Prof Colin Richards
Former HM inspector of schools, Spark Bridge, Cumbria
• School regimes that rely on punishment and exclusion to enforce petty rules, without any rights to question injustice, instil a model of coercive control. They teach students to be bullies, victims or helpless bystanders. How does this prepare them to have healthy adult relationships or to be active, inclusive, democratic citizens?
Prof Priscilla Alderson
UCL Institute of Education
• When allowed to decide for themselves how to dress, children learn how to make choices, exercise judgment and discover their likes and dislikes. They learn how to discern what’s appropriate in different settings and to balance self-expression and practicality. Above all, they learn not to judge people by how they look.
Daniel Owen
Torrington, Devon
• When we had non-uniform days at my school, we used to joke that all the pupils looked the same.
Mike Harrison
Bath
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