The much-maligned school blazer has come under attack once again, this time by Scottish government. In new guidance issued this morning, head teachers north of the border have been told to either ditch them, or make them optional within their uniform policies. Head teachers who know their pupils rather better than first minister John Swinney and his meddling SNP ministers have been entrusted to ‘be clear that these are not needed or expected’.
School blazers are far more than a piece of clothing. For £14 the child is endowed with a mobile office
The reasons are not only the perceived cost, but the way in which pupils ‘may feel that uniform restricts their identity and individuality’. At that point the guidance becomes a confused mess, arguing that ‘financial challenges in accessing uniform which can highlight social or economic differences between pupils, and could lead to increased stigma, peer pressure and bullying.’
Perhaps Swinney – and Jenny Gilruth, his cabinet secretary for education and skills – might like to talk to those pupils who find ‘own clothes’ days stressful and intimidating. Just like a classroom seating plan, being told what to wear takes away all the worry about getting it wrong on the day – and perhaps explaining to peers why they were not wearing expensive branded clothing. The truth is that school uniform is the leveller. Yes, children will personalise it – sometimes to the exasperation of their teachers – but they all have the same materials to work with.
But school blazers are far more than a piece of clothing. For £14 (I checked the price online) the child is endowed with a mobile office. Tardis-like pockets can hold everything a child needs to navigate a school day. Notebooks, pens and a calculator on one side can balance snacks and confectionary on the other. There is a place for a locker key and a pass card that opens doors around the building. It’s on those own clothes days when children suddenly find themselves stuck beyond a locked door without the equipment they need for their lesson in any case.
When the blazer is not on their back it can become a goalpost in the yard, and then a shield from the rain when inclement weather brings a swift end to the game. A hoodie top is a poor substitute at times like that.
The guidance isn’t all bad. There is much criticism of clothing made especially for the school that commands prices far higher than unbranded items. My three children attended three different schools, with very different uniform policies. While one had to be fitted out at the store that stocked the authorised items, uniform for the others could be purchased anywhere. The difference in cost was staggering. As a teacher I really don’t mind whether the trousers come from an official supplier or a supermarket, and I certainly resented paying £30 instead of £4.99.
Elsewhere the guidance lurches into total confusion. Schools are urged to ‘recognise and understand that there may be issues related to clothing and uniform which have a greater impact on some pupils more than others, or in relation to particular activities.’ Without apparent irony, it adds, ‘For example, young women and girls can often experience societal pressure to look or dress in a certain way.’
Yes they can, and that Mr Swinney is a good reason to provide a uniform code for them so that within the school day they are protected from those pressures. For all children, a uniform code means one less thing to worry about, at least during the school day.
Schools are more than mere exam factories, they provide children with the knowledge, skills and experience to cope with adult life. In many workplaces, that involves wearing clothes that might not be what you would choose to wear in your own time. That’s life – and we would be letting children down if we did not prepare them for it.
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