I was recently talking to my American friend, Bess (above) about the ongoing debate here in the UK around the cost of school uniforms. I found her perspective fascinating, because she went to a non-uniformed school and her kids transferred last year from a non-uniformed school to one with a school uniform. I decided to turn it into an interview...
What's been the main difference(s) you've seen now that your kids have a school uniform?
As a busy mom running a farm, managing multiple jobs, and raising two boys under 10, school uniforms are a game-changer for us. It was a contributing factor when we were choosing our kid's school. We have found that the decision to send our children to a school with a uniform was the right one for us.
Mornings on the farm are hectic. Between animals, work, getting the kids ready, there’s no time for wardrobe drama. I don't have to think about what clothes are clean, what colors match, what is appropriate or inappropriate for school. Uniforms eliminate the guesswork. No matching outfits, no worrying about what’s in season or what colors clash, laundry sorting woes. One of my boys is quite sensory-sensitive, so the predictability of how the material feels every day is important, and we don't have to have fits about clothes that he refuses to wear. Laundry is a breeze because there are fewer clothes to wash and sort and it's easier to track what they need. With uniforms, I know they’re set with a few pairs of pants and shirts, and I’m not scrambling to keep up with endless outfit changes.
What was your experience of going to a non-uniformed school?
It was tough in ways I didn’t fully understand until later. Personally, I have some pretty bad clothing horror stories and memories from middle school that still haunt me (chuckling). I will spare you the embarrassing details, but in general clothes were a pain point. I was really self conscious about what I wore and how I felt in what I wore. I was pretty insecure about it and tended to compare myself to what the "cool kids" wore and tended to feel badly about that. As a parent, I’m relieved my kids wear uniforms. Their school environment feels more egalitarian in that regard. School uniforms are one less distraction for the kids. I feel like it allows them to focus on each other as individuals, and they are less likely to judge each other, like one might judge a book by its cover.
What was it like as a parent transitioning your kids to a uniformed school?
It was actually great in that our first introduction to the school was through a collective uniform exchange. Parents donated outgrown clothes for new families to pick up for free. It was a kind and generous gesture that made us feel welcomed and supported. I was able to meet and chat with other parents and built some connections easily, and it was a nice way to get integrated into and feel like a part of the community. This kind of initiative also makes uniforms more affordable. It says that uniforms are more than just clothes, they're a reminder that we're part of a community.
How have your boys adjusted to their new school uniform?
Honestly, they love them. We lay out our clothes the night before, and this has simplified the process and made it easier for them to get into the practice of building good habits. When they start their day heading out into the world in their collared shirts and slacks, it feels like they are setting a respectful tone. It's subtle, but they carry themselves with more confidence. We know that our outer world reflects our inner world and vice-versa, so when they look polished and prepared, it encourages them to feel that way as well, and that facilitates others to be more inclined to view them that way too. The uniform becomes a bit of a beacon as well in public, it sort of signals that they’re part of a school with good values. People notice, are more inclined to view my kids through a positive lense, and these positive perceptions become self-fulfilling. I feel like if they can feel seen and esteemed in a positive light, they will be more likely to rise to meet those expectations, and show respect to others in return.
So, you're a convert?
Yes! At the end of the day, uniforms keep the focus where it belongs: on learning, on building real relationships, etc. They even the playing field at school. My boys are building friendships and skills without the distraction of a daily style competition. They’re learning to value themselves and others for who they are, not what they wear. At the same time, they get to experience the understanding that dressing in a pleasant and respectful way creates good first impressions, sets the tone for positive interactions, and promotes a sense of self-confidence and pride. So yes- I am really grateful for school uniforms!
And Liam, when are you going to start selling your uniforms in the states? I would so love to have your environmentally friendly brand available here to choose from!