Figure 1.--There was a continuing trend in British schoolwear during the 2000s for casual styles. Some prep schools continued to have traditional styles.

Little information is available yet on 21st century trends, but HBC will be watching closely to try to find any emerging new trends. Most English secondary schools and some primary continue to require school uniforms although the subject is increaingly being debated. Many primary schools have increasingly casual uniforms. Even prep schools have adopted the more casual styles. One teacher reports in 2000 that in the school that he works it has been interesting to note that there has been a slight rise in the number of older students wearing grey shorts during the summer. Ties have been replaced by the more casual use of school emblem sweatshirts and traditional black school shoes are slowly being replaced by black trainers. Baseball caps are increasingly worn as a safeguard from the dangers of the sun. Almost every pupil now wears white socks where as not so long ago boys would object, considering them girlish! The now popular survey provide a very accurate picture of what English boys are wearing to school. Some question school uniforms, but they remain very common.

The 2000s

Many primary schools have increasingly casual uniforms. Even prep schools have adopted the more casual styles, but some continue to have traditional uniforms. One teacher reports in 2000 that in the school that he works it has been interesting to note that there has been a slight rise in the number of older students wearing grey shorts during the summer. Ties have been replaced by the more casual use of school emblem sweatshirts and traditional black school shoes are slowly being replaced by black trainers. Baseball caps are increasingly worn as a safeguard from the dangers of the sun. Almost every pupil now wears white socks where as not so long ago boys would object, considering them girlish! An fashion observer in 2004 reports Government schools proposals, "All secondary schools in England and Wales are being encouraged to have a uniform, and sort pupils into houses. This provides a skool with a chance to establish a new identity. The uniform should reflect the ethos of the school and the standards expected. Giving pupils, identity and pride in the school. A few members of this and Other related groups, ie parents' teachers, governors etc now have an Opportunity to establish a new uniform."

The 2010s

England continued to debate the issue of school uniform in the 2010s. The debaste to an extent has been politicized with Conservstives most associated with promoting the idea of a school uniform. And the Conservstive Education Secretary Michael Gove in the new coalition government has called for a greater emphasis on school uniform. One comment on Gove's suggestions read, "You might have guessed it would be a Conservative Education Secretary [Michael Gove] that thought up the idea of calling for a return to the era of the old school tie in schools. But it might not be the patrician move that you think it to be. School uniform can instill a sense of togetherness in pupils. It also stops the rich kids from wearing designer clothes that their parents can afford while disadvantaged youngsters are shown to be wearing more modest clothing. Of course, schools should make sure they opt for a reasonably cheap but smart uniform. As to the idea of prefect and house systems, again there are good reasons for adopting them. Prefects can learn important responsibility about leadership skills and the house system is one way of getting different age groups mixing together so the younger pupils are not so much in awe of the senior pupils. Of course, Mr Gove cannot insist upon schools following his exhortations. That doesn't mean, though, that they should be dismissed out of hand." [Garner] Another English reader writes, "Two of the three local public-sector secondary schools have recently (i.e., I think, probably 2009 academic year) reintroduced blazers as a part of the uniform. While not all the children use them, many do. The aim seems to be to smarten up the kids and strengthen their corporate feeling for the school. The schools in question have always had a uniform, but sweaters with the school logo are now supplemented or replaced by the blazers." Our reader added a further update, "An update about my short note on the local public-sector secondary schools. In fact it's all three of the local secondary schools that have reintroduced blazers - I hadn't seen any children from the third one recently. Two of these schools belong to one Education Authority, the third to a different Authority, so it doesn't seem to be direction from above that has brough about the changes. The blazers have on the breast pocket the name of the school, and in some cases also a logo. All three could easily use heraldic shields but have chosen not to: I would imagine the cost is a major factor."

Sources

Garner, Tichard. "Comment," The Independent (November 25. 2010). There wasn't really a title, just "Comment". It was headed "Return of blazers and ties are a good way for schools to smarten up their act", but this is basically just a headline for the piece. The article for which this was a comment was headed "Tougher numeacy and literacy tests - and that's just for the teachers".

Related Links: Careful this will exit you from the Boys' Historical Clothing web site, but both sites are highly recommended

Apertures Press New Zealand eBook: New eBook on New Zealand schools available

Boys' Preparatory Schools: Lovely photographic essay of British preparatory schools with some over 200 color and black and white photographs depicting the schools during the 1980s

Apertures Press British Prep Schools eBook: New eBook on New Zealand schools available

School Uniform Web SiteInformative review of British school uniforms with some excellent photographs

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Created: November 11, 1999
Last updated: 3:48 AM 12/13/2010