Readers respond to André Spicer’s article on the traditions and enforcement of school dress codes
Re André Spicer’s article on school uniforms (Not even bankers wear ties and blazers any more. So why should schoolchildren?, 25 September), I attended an all-girls grammar school in the 1960s and we were governed by a strict code regarding uniforms, with infringements punished. I was reported to have been seen outside school wearing my beret inappropriately (stuck on the back of my head). I was required to report to the headmistress, and on leaving in the afternoon to wear my beret in the prescribed fashion. Needless to say, this did not change my behaviour and it did not restrict my academic performance.
Jennifer Mackie
Aboyne, Aberdeenshire
• As the chair of governors of a secondary school who has always voted for the abolition of school uniforms, but been in a minority of one when fellow governors have discussed the issue, I support André Spicer’s arguments. I can add two others – abolishing uniforms would result in saving an incalculable amount of teachers’ time and frustration in policing uniforms, and in an equally incalculable amount of improvement in student motivation and goodwill.
Prof Colin Richards
Former HM inspector of schools, Spark Bridge, Cumbria
