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Another argument made for school uniforms is that it helps to establish and maintain discipline. Of course discipline is not an end in itself. But it is a simple fact that wothout discipline, effective teaching is impossible. And one of the reason for the excellent results achieved at prep schools is the disdcipline standards at the school. The question here is to what degree a school uniform contributes to discipline. One prep school headmaster told us that a boy who dresses up in a blazer and tie know that he is going to school for serious work and not the play ground. We think that there is probably something to be said for tis. There is no doubt that discipline standards at private schools like prep schools are higher than at state schools. There are, however, many different reasons for this. The uniform may well be one reason for this, but it is difficult to sort it out from the other reasons. British readers tend to have very strong opinions on this topic, often reflecting philosophical and or age differences.
One British reader writes in 2006, "It would appear that many schools today have done away with blazers except for 'Prefects' and sports team members. The use of the 'fleece' sweatshirt with the school badge embroidered on is now more common. Also they are only available from the school itself so they are expensive to buy. This fashion came into being during the 1990s, and has grown. Pupils will wear a sweatshirt without complaint, but object to wearing a full official uniform. At least this would seam to be the case with 'state run schools. It is a shame as since they have given in to the children the old school authority has gone out of the window. No discipline and the standard of education goes downhill. However, private especially boarding schools still hold true to using uniforms, and the marked difference in the behaviour and pride
of these pupils is outstanding. These are very much personal comments, but
I can assure you are strongly echoed by many adults in this country."
