Ah, the age-old question that has plagued teachers for centuries: why should we have a formal dress code?
Well, the answer to that question has been debated for years now, never quite coming to a clear conclusion. Some may say formal attire directly improves grades, while others may argue that behaviour and a sense of community are fostered through a dress code. However, where do these ideas come from? And aren’t they a little outdated in a world that preaches creativity and uniqueness?
To get firsthand thoughts and opinions, I directly interviewed pupils at different sixth forms with varying dress codes to gauge how the pupils themselves felt.
One student in year 12 at the Little Heath Sixth form said she felt that her learning has improved since she has not had to wear blazers and ties.
“It just feels more comfortable, like no one is judging you and people can start conversations based on what you’re wearing that day.”
Another student at The Piggott Sixth Form said the shift from secondary school to a Sixth Form with such a “lenient” dress code was hard to manage at times as “there’s an underlying pressure especially for girls, to switch up our outfits when sometimes we can’t be bothered”. However, she states that the lack of restrictions on clothing such as jeans or jogging bottoms has allowed her to focus on her schoolwork rather than her outfits as she can “throw on a hoodie and trackies and that’s that.” Another student said that he felt as though what you wear has no direct impact on your education and behaviour.
“It’s like, if you tell a baby not to do something, they’re most likely going to do it because they feel restricted, same with teenagers. If we feel a certain way, trying to tame that is pointless”, he says.
Now, you may be wondering what pupils who attend a Sixth Form with formal attire have to say on the matter and there are quite a few mixed reviews….
One student from Maiden Erlegh Sixth Form argues that there is a unanimous “informal uniform” amongst the students themselves.
“If you walked through the common room on a random Monday, I guarantee you could spot 5 girls in a variation of the same outfit and they probably don’t even know each other, there’s just no creativity, but hey that's school I guess.” When probed on what she meant by that, she continued to say that “most people aren’t here to show out everyday, we just want to get through A-Levels and a formal dress code allows for less distractions.” However, she went on to say that “it is a shame though, someone would have the most unique street style, for example, and you’d never know it since you can't really figure people out from the same old skirt and jumper they throw on everyday.”
This begs the question; should the personal and professional be able to intertwine, or is there a reason the two identities have been kept separate in the educational and professional world for so long?
While studies have shown that there is a correlation between uniforms and academic performance, it leaves us wondering if those same ideals can be transferred to young adults between the ages of 16-18. Uniforms may benefit lower years in schools, but should young adults not be able to express themselves freely?
Though this debate will continue to evolve, clothing and fashion are distinguishable art that represents one's true personality, and every one of us should feel comfortable enough to express that at some point.
