SCHOOL uniforms `belong in the 50s and 60s' and should be scrapped, according to Salford's education chief.
John Warmisham says ties, blazers, and jumpers with school badges should be replaced by smart casual wear.
But his views have been attacked by the `super head' of two schools in Trafford.
Coun Warmisham was speaking as parents across the region are buying uniforms for the start of the autumn term.
He said: "I think uniforms are a thing of the past. School uniform is from the 50s and 60s and adds nothing to the education of children, and I believe it can be very expensive.
"These days, smart clothing can be bought cheaply, it doesn't have to be designer gear.
"Obviously there have to be some limitations - there should not be extravagant jewellery and inappropriate footwear, but sensible shoes and smart jeans would be acceptable.
"I have visited schools in French towns twinned with Salford and the young people there were smart and seemed more relaxed which can be an assistance to the learning process.
"Pupils can be proud of their school without having to wear a uniform."
But Tarun Kapur, head teacher at the 400-pupil Broadoak High in Partington and the 1,300-pupil Ashton-on-Mersey School in Sale, believes uniforms play a key role in the ethos of a school.
He said: "Having a uniform stops the competitive element of fashion at school, which puts immense pressure on parents and children.
"Children wearing a school uniform feel a sense of pride in their school and it helps them to work as a team.
"When I became head at Broadoak, we revamped things and introduced a smart uniform much to the approval of parents and children.
"If someone comes into school not wearing a uniform, they could be an interloper or someone out to cause trouble. I would be concerned that a policy of having no uniform could put children at risk.
"Uniforms are easy for parents to get - the likes of Asda and Tesco do such clothing very cheaply, with three white shirts for £3. For about £50, you could get a full uniform including PE kit.
"It is common sense, but I think it helps to raise standards.
"If I was asked to work in a Salford school, without a uniform policy, I would refuse."
Should the school uniform be scrapped? Have your say.
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Scrap uniform, says schools chief
August 22, 2007
Showing comments 1 to 23 and replies | View All
maria (22/08/2007 at 08:22)
AH, Manchester (22/08/2007 at 08:57)
hotplate, stockport (22/08/2007 at 10:23)
Rory (22/08/2007 at 11:47)
I went to a very well known restaurant in London a few weeks ago and was told that a jacket and tie was required and so I duly obliged.
Whilst in there though there were some tourists with jeans and polo shirts on. I enquired as to why they weren't refused entyr and was informed that because it was such a large party then found it hard to refuse them and.
I went to a wedding last year and a bunch of lecturers decided to wear jeans and opened top shirts, whilst every other guest wore smart suits. These types would have worn a suit if the dress code stated jeans and shirts.
What is wrong with looking smart? Why do soem sneer at it.
I must say that this education chief fellow is hardly the local dandy though is he?
A Realist, Manchester (22/08/2007 at 11:52)
David, Manchester (22/08/2007 at 12:00)
Matthew Wright (22/08/2007 at 12:17)
As making a point on education I am unsure why he is not jumping on the child obesity issue obviously due to hias size.
Forward with Frank (22/08/2007 at 12:52)
When I go abroad more often than not the immigration people are dressed in unform, sometimes an imposing military style one. In thi scountry a pair a slacks and a pullover is de riguer. Why are we also trying to undo tradition and change things?
This councillor is wearing a jacket and tie, why doesn't he wear a t-shirt and a pair of shorts next time is in the town hall?
Someoen on here talked of treatimng children like adults, well they are not adults, they are children. Why not let them opt out of school and let them work and drink in pubs.
Kids don't have much discipline these days but at least a uniform smartens them up and installs a bit of discipline in them.
If they wear what they want what on earth will the do when they get into the real worl. Should they tell their boss that they want to be treated as an adult so therefore they will no longer wear a suit to work.
Adults wear uniforms too.
Whatever happened to my England?
Calamity (22/08/2007 at 13:51)
nickyb, Altrincham (22/08/2007 at 14:16)
Joey, Ashton under Lyne, (22/08/2007 at 14:33)
Define "smart" Mr Warmisham, then we will have no children sent home because what you consider smart and what a child considers smart are not the same thing. A fact any mum who has taken their child clothes shopping will concur with.
Power to The People, Blackley (22/08/2007 at 15:18)
Need to a lot stricter on kids and maybe they wouldnt be so many Asbos handed out.
Andy (22/08/2007 at 15:51)
gillykins, urmston (23/08/2007 at 12:44)
DOOBYDO (23/08/2007 at 12:51)
Teens are failing to be punctual, smart and able to communicate verbally. The FSB has claimed this is a national scandal and I have to agree.
I have just purchased uniform for my youngest child to start high school, this at a cost of less that £150 for a full uniform including P.E. kit and winter coat. This uniform will last for at least a full academic year, some items will last longer, i.e. ties, craft aprons etc. Now think how much would need to be spent on "street clothes" that you teen would wear to school and are considered smart enough for the school learning environment. People have to wear uniform for a variety of reasons and maybe Mr Warmisham should deal with bigger issues with the educational establishment in Salford than whether uniform should be dropped or not.
ace, manchester (23/08/2007 at 15:38)
Pampa (23/08/2007 at 19:05)
As a retired senior invigilator at Ashton on Mersey School, for the last five years. I would like to explain why I used to travel over 15 miles each way across Manchester to invigilate at A o M.
All the children wear their school uniform with pride ( school motto pride in performance).
All are polite and well behaved, and the people of Sale know them becouse of their uniform.
I could have worked a lot closer to my home, but knowing some of the schools near my home without proper uniforms . I knew it was well worth the petrol, time and journey to travel across Manchester. I think councillor Warmisham belongs in the past for his knowledge. Pampa
gladys rowbotham, Manchester (23/08/2007 at 19:21)
If he is speaking in a personal capacity, which of course he has every right to do so, then he should say so, prefacing his remarks with "In my opinion..." and not try to elevate his personal opinion with reference to his status as a Salford politico.
PS Go on MEN why not publish this one!
jh, cheshire (24/08/2007 at 00:40)
JPA Urmston (24/08/2007 at 08:23)
Bad idea Councillor Tweed Sports Jacket. I hope Jill Baker ignores this rubbish.
The Catcher, In the Rye (24/08/2007 at 12:52)
The ones who don't want to work should continue to wear the school uniform (in a bigger size)
As an example of how this works, look at China under Mao Zedung. Put everyone in navy blue with matching cap and tell them all the motherland's interests are paramount. Look at the nation now. What a success story.
DOOBYDO (24/08/2007 at 14:53)
I wasn't complaining at the cost I was expecting to pay more (obviously I am glad I didn't have to ). I am happy knowing that my child will attend school looking smart and not worried about being bullied because the clothes aren't right. Just for info, I would never consider paying £100 for trainers for myself or my children and if my children want to spend that much they have to pay it out of their own money which they earn. I have better things to spend money on like my mortgage.
hpn, Sale (13/11/2007 at 20:44)