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Shim's avatar

Another part of the education system most likely left over from the Victorian age.

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Helen Lindop's avatar

In the UK I think it's mainly about control, behaviour and the school's reputation. Control and behaviour because it's a very visible way that the school has of policing the way you present yourself e.g. 'tuck that shirt in', 'take those trainers off and put on formal black shoes' and having to ask permission to remove a blazer when you're in a hot classroom in summer. I can't think of any situation in adult life where I've seen that except in prison. In terms of reputation, in my experience schools are very, very good at PR to the point where they ignore any criticism (even going as far as changing the subject when I've sat face-to-face with a teacher in a meeting) and they flood all their communications with how successful they are and how happy their pupils are. Having immaculately dressed, easily recognisable pupils is part of this.

In some ways they don't have much choice because the penalties of not falling in line, especially with Ofsted, are so high. But that doesn't excuse the damage this is doing to many children.

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