Cool trio show how uniform policy could be a bit smarter

HATS, ties and blazers off to the schoolboys in Merthyr who went to lessons in skirts because they were too hot wearing regulation uniform trousers in the heatwave.

Schools need to rethink their uniform policies; or prepare for their pupils to be the independent, problem-solving, creative thinkers they are hopefully preparing them to be.

Despite the sweltering temperatures, and Wales being the hottest place in the UK over recent days, Cyfarthfa High School told students they must attend school in standard black trousers or skirts.

Boys were told they couldn’t wear shorts so opted for skirts instead, to show how unfair they feel the rules are.

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council said the uniform policy at the school doesn’t allow pupils to wear shorts.

And it was the same story at St Illtyd’s Catholic High in Cardiff. At that school two pupils stayed at home rather than be taught in isolation for wearing shorts, although the school said it is reviewing its “no shorts” policy.

Down the road at Cardiff High, girls’ parents were complaining that they are required to wear tights with their skirts, whatever the weather, which may have been one reason for boys there not opting for skirts instead of trousers.

Headteacher Stephen Jones denied claims from one of the parents that girls had been told the reason for wearing tights was that boys would look up girls’ skirts.

He said the school’s uniform policy includes school shorts and a summer polo shirt, which the children can choose to wear: “For many years we’ve agreed that girls can choose for themselves the style of skirts they wear.

“Part of that agreement was for tights to be worn with skirts... While the weather is warm, the girls are free to choose to wear the school shorts and summer polo shirts included in the uniform policy.”

Parents around Wales have told of pupils being sent home for not adhering to uniform policy. Some have kept their children out of lessons because they say they are getting overheated wearing long trousers and ties in class.

With uniform a matter for individual schools, there is not a uniform uniform policy, so to speak.

Whether or not your child is sweating through the day depends on where they go to school.

While there is no law saying pupils must wear uniform to school, they must abide by the rules of their school and if those rules insist on certain clothes being worn, that is that. They don’t have much choice.

As the heat rises, parents have been taking to social media to vent their feelings, revealing they are as divided as the schools with different policies.

Some have scant sympathy, posting messages saying pupils should be prepared for the workplace, where they’ll have to be adequately suited and booted whatever the weather. Others say they should be allowed to wear cooler clothes, shorts or PE kit.

Why should children and teenagers dress for the workplace when they are not yet there? Schools are not factories churning out future drones for the workplace. Their role is to teach children, widen their horizons and prepare them for a future they have not yet arrived at.

The fact that they are turning out pupils willing to question the status quo and challenge it politely is testament to the good work teachers and schools are doing.

Unless their future job is one which comes with a uniform – police, bus driver, etc – most employees have some choice. They can wear lightcoloured trousers, summer dresses, ditch the jacket and tights.

There are exceptions, such as barristers and judges compelled to wear wigs and gowns; and some shop assistants, who have to wear tights and heels, but generally, workplace clothes codes require no more than that you look smart, clean, presentable and professional. Sweating doesn’t come under that category, so you’re unlikely to wear a dark suit, jacket and tie when the temperature hits 29°C, unless your job absolutely demands it. Teachers are among those who do have a degree of choice on what they wear. Some parents say they are enraged that teachers are coming into class with bare legs and light summer clothes while their children are being told they must button up in hot, dark clothes better suited to winter than the June sunshine. Is being uncomfortable helpful for learning or is a strict uniform policy a smokescreen? Appearances can be deceptive, after all.

And why is it that schools in general are so slow to respond to changes such as unexpected snow or heat? Surely they should be more willing to adapt to circumstances?

There are lots of things that are good about school uniform – it means less time is wasted wondering what to wear on rushed mornings; everyone is on a level in the same gear; and there is, of course, the element of appearance.

Looking smart sends a message that the school is well-managed and everyone is on the same page, ready to learn and part of the same community. There is a psychology about putting on smart clothes for school or work.

Some pupils at Cathays High in Cardiff even asked for a smarter, more formal uniform last year, so it’s clear that uniform is seen as a good thing, sending a good message, even among teenagers.

But surely being smart does not have to mean being uncomfortable? It is hard to concentrate, learn or sit exams when you are feeling hot and sticky.

Any parent with a pupil at high school will know the long list of uniform they are required to buy – which includes PE kit.

Why can’t they all agree that if the weather reaches a certain temperature the school will let students come in in their PE kit? So what if on those couple of days or weeks that uniform is a bit haphazard?

If it means pupils work better because they are comfortable, surely that’s better for everyone? Sending children home for wearing the wrong clothes or having them stay at home can be good for no-one.

Every year schools shut when it snows, for health and safety reasons. With last winter’s severe storms, even more did so this year.

Blazing sunshine doesn’t mean schools have to shut, but it does mean they need to think about what they are there for and how best to achieve that.

No-one can learn their best if they are sweltering in clothes designed for winter. And if it’s impractical to have a summer uniform, they should be allowed to wear their uniform PE kit.