School Uniform: a part of our history

Today, we recognise the many benefits of School Uniform for schools and pupils.  But where does the tradition of uniform come from?  Here is a brief history lesson!

1552

First real schools are introduced and so is uniform. 

 

 

The First known uniform is worn at Christ Hospital School of Greyfriars, City of London. It was dyed blue: the cheapest dye available at that time.


1870

The Education Act is passed, creating State Primary Schools: It is the start of the education of the masses.

 

Uniform at this time usually consists of: knitted jumpers, shorts, tie (if you had the money) all in plain, dark colours. There would have been no logos or badges.


1944

Start of secondary education (Rab Butler’s education reforms)

 

1950

A boom time for uniform, although styling remains traditional. Boys typically still wore shorts until the age of 14.

 

Shirley Infant School, 1950s


1960s

 The 60s saw an explosion of fabrics and colours that fit with the aspirations of a modern society. New fabrics like Bi-Nylon, Polyester and Courtelle were becoming widely used generally in clothing, and in uniforms.

Also during this time the introduction of comprehensive education saw a reduction of Grammar Schools – who had been the ones to hold on to more traditional uniforms.

 (Coutesy of https://norlington3.tumblr.com/post/150596633441)


1970

The 70s brought in a new wave of teachers who believed in a more relaxed approach and with it a decline in school uniform. For many it was non-uniform day every day!



Bailey Green Primary School, Killingworth 1975, coutesy of Chronicle Live

 The ‘best schools’ however, held on to their distinctive uniforms throughout the 70s and 80s.

 

 

Christ Hospital School in the 1980s and Stockport Grammar, 1982


1980s

The 80s saw the introduction of the polo shirt and sweatshirt which became a massive trend, especially in primary schools.

 

Kender Primary School

 

Printing and embroidery had evolved significantly at this point and the use of school logos and badges became wide-spread.

 2000

Competition for pupils and places means a move back to more traditional uniform, especially at secondary schools (although not many insist boys wear shorts and girls generally tend to also have the choice of trousers!)

 

 

 2010

Then Education Secretary, Michael Gove, talks about the importance of uniform for raising standards in schools.


2017

By now, most schools have returned to using smart, school-specific uniform recognising its benefits for promoting pride and a sense of community, improving behaviour and attainment and supporting wellbeing amongst pupils.