School Uniform: English School Regulations

Schools have differed greatly from country to country and over time as to the required uniform pants. Curiously while English boys in the 1970s at some schools were arguing to be allowed to wear long pants, some American boys were asking for the right to wear shorts. Not only has the style of the appropriate school trousers varied, but the schools have had various ways of determining who had to wear short pants as well as determining what the appopriate cut was. Schools have had various ways of assessing the proper length or who could wear longs. In most cases it was by grade or form, but in some cases by age or even height. Schools and students have also disagreed over the length of the shorts. Schools have had rules in some cases prohibiting to long or to short shorts or other details such as material.

Some examples include:

The 1990s

A preparatorty school

LFORD PREPARATORY SCHOOL: BOY'S UNIFORM

WINTER
Reception, Class 1, Class 2: Mid grey SHORT trousers.
Class 3, 4, 5 and 6 Mid Grey long trousers.
Royal blue blazer with badge
Royal blue cap to match blazers Reception, Class 1 and Class 2 only
Long Grey socks for Classes Reception. 1 and 2.
Short Grey socks for Classes 3, 4, 5 and 6
White SHORT sleeved shirt NOT long sleeves.
Grey or royal blue 'V' neck pullover.
Black school shoes (Wide Fittings Available)
House tie Elastic neck. Reception, Class 1 and Class 2
House tie Class 3, 4, 5 and 6
Navy blue school topcoat with quilted lining (Wetherby).

SUMMER
Blue STARTRITE or Clarks sandals (optional). Everything else same as Winter.

PE / SPORTS
White nylon shorts.
School tracksuit (with badge) Loose fitting.
House Polo shirt.
Short white sports socks.
Black plimsolls
White trainers for outside activities.

FOOTBALL
Class 3, 4, 5 and 6:
White Nylon Shorts
PLAIN Navy Football Socks (Long)
PLAIN Navy Football Shirt with White Collar (Use A.H.Rugby Top)
Football Boots
Navy Blue Wet Bag

CRICKET
Class 3, 4, 5 and 6:
All Round Cream Elastic waisted Cricket Trousers
Cream short sleeved cricket shirt
PLAIN CREAM sleeveless cricket jumper
White plimsols or White Trainers.

SWIMMING
Reception, Class 1, Class 2:
Navy (David Luke or Banner Shiny) swimming trunks.
Navy Wet Bag.

IF IN DOUBT - BEFORE YOU PURCHASE UNIFORM PLEASE CHECK IT OUT WITH THE HEADTEACHER.

If, for any reason, the school uniform requirements change, parents must comply with the new requirements.

Created: November 10, 1998
Last updated: August 28, 1999