Sir – There appears to be a strong agenda in the national media to focus on the poor struggling to buy school uniform, with the clear benefits of school uniform being totally ignored.

Here are seven reasons why school-specific school uniform should be respected:

1: School uniform is an important part of a child’s life. A quality uniform can help to give confidence and promote pride and a sense of community.

2: There is a very big difference between clothes for school and a properly balanced school uniform which is just that “uniform”.

3: The right balance between school specific and generic is essential, otherwise it is not effective as a proper school uniform.

4: Respect, for the uniform, for the rest of the school rules and the teachers, is an essential part of the smooth functioning of a school.

5: Every August and early September, there is a hysteria in the media, which is totally misguided. On the whole schools and parents make good choices.

6: The only time any parent has to spend significant money on uniform is for the start of Year Seven, when their child moves from primary to secondary school. The cost of a uniform can be spread over many months.

7: Independent research has shown that school uniform is great value for money, much cheaper than “fashion” clothing worn out of school hours, and that the vast majority of parents are satisfied with their school’s current arrangements.

DAVID BURGESS
Chairman
The Schoolwear Association