Madam,

It seems it’s now locally acceptable to demonise children for minor infractions of uniform rules that have no bearing on educational success. The children’s sins include not wearing leather shoes and not wearing clothes “from the right shop”.

Ceredigion has a relatively high rate of child poverty, with many parents struggling just to feed their children properly. Uniforms are often more expensive, but not of a better quality, than equivalent “non-branded” items. To “make an example” of children from families who can’t afford to conform is scandalous. It’s hardly a good example to set children.

Research shows that uniforms don’t contribute to increased educational achievement. Ten years of research by Dr David Brunsma of the University of Missouri-Columbia apparently found that the academic achievement of students forced to wear uniforms was a tiny bit less than those who weren’t.

On the other hand some of the highest-achieving countries, like Finland and the Netherlands, have no uniform.

A common myth is that uniforms create a “level playing field” and are some sort of quick fix to stop bullying. Kids know their relative social status regardless of uniform. Like many adults they judge by phones, computer technology, cars, home ownership and many other things. If children are being bullied then the real causes need to be addressed.

Perhaps, for children headed for an office job or the forces, a uniform (and the enforced conformity that goes with it) might “suit” them to their future workplace. However there are many jobs, including those in the highest ranks of academia, where your ability is important, and your dress sense irrelevant.

This petty misuse of power by over-zealous head teachers sends out questionable messages to our children. Do we really want teachers who spend time and energy policing uniform when they could be teaching?

Yours etc,

Dr Glynis Giddings, Llanon.

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