ABOLISH school uniforms and let kids “find their own style”, a peer has urged ministers. The House of Lords yesterday debated a proposed new law to make uniforms more affordable. But the Earl of Clancarty said: “Better still, get rid of school uniforms. “They’re an outmoded idea, ultimately a repressive aspect of the educational system […]
ABOLISH school uniforms and let kids “find their own style”, a peer has urged ministers.
The House of Lords yesterday debated a proposed new law to make uniforms more affordable.
But the Earl of Clancarty said: “Better still, get rid of school uniforms.
“They’re an outmoded idea, ultimately a repressive aspect of the educational system itself, designed to keep children in line.”
The independent cross-bench peer said his 16-year-old daughter’s school has a no-uniform policy.
He quoted her saying: “Thank God I don’t have to wear a school uniform. I wouldn’t be able to express myself every day.”
The peer added of school: “It is the right place for teenagers in particular to test out what to wear and find their own style.”
But Lib Dem Lord Storey, a former teacher, recalled working in a school without uniforms.
He said: “This created great upset among pupils. And those who couldn’t afford the latest ‘gear’, as they called it, often were name-called and bullied.”
The new Bill would see branded items limited.
Education minister Baroness Berridge said guidance may be issued to schools in the autumn.
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