School Uniforms Help Improve Grades

Monday 26th of March 2007 08:58:59 PM

Students are the Withins School in Breightmet, UK, were not performing well on tests and other academic measures used to gauge success until new uniform rules were set into place. Taking over the school two years ago, after a succession of head teachers, Phil Mather, had a lot of work ahead of him. When the school was put in special measures, the decision to institute school uniforms became necessary. “Parents of all pupils were very supportive, even those of final year students. Before this, there were uniform issues when pupils were not wearing the right clothes. A school uniform gives a sense of purpose, identity and authority. Behaviour does improve,” said Mather.

Since then the school has shown improvements and has been taken off special measures. The number of students who achieve a grade of ‘A’ has risen from 18% in 2002 to 58%. While many would say that better teaching and study habits are the cause of this increase, taking pride in one’s school is also a factor. “Well-presented pupils have a feeling of pride and self-worth which raises self-esteem and gives them a sense of purpose. Allowing pupils to wear their own clothes such as sweatshirts can sometimes create a street culture in schools,” said Mather.

Cost of the uniforms has not been an issue with parents, as it has been in other schools. “Parents have not found cost a problem, there are a number of places where parents of children here can buy a school uniform. This school is often complimented about how smart the pupils look when they are out and about,” said Mather. Parents from other schools have had financial difficulties in the past, but this does not seem to be the case at the Withins School.

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