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COUNCILLOR John Warmisham wants the traditional school uniform to become a thing of the past
COUNCILLOR John Warmisham wants the traditional school uniform to become a thing of the past
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Time for uniform change

Ailsa Cranna
23/ 8/2007

SALFORD council's education boss has labelled school uniforms as unfashionable, and says they should be banned to the back of the wardrobe.

Lead member for children's services, Councillor John Warmisham says ties, blazers and jumpers with school badges are stuck in the 1950s and should be scrapped in favour of smart casual wear.

The former North Salford High School pupil said: "I've never seen the point of school uniforms, not even when I was at school myself.

"They are costly, often have to be bought from the same outfitter, and mean that teachers spend more time making sure students conform with the school dress code than doing the job they are paid for - educating pupils.

"I firmly believe uniforms are restrictive, especially at a time when teenagers need to express themselves most.

"I've been to our twin town of Clermont-Ferrand in France and the students there seem perfectly happy and well-behaved wearing smart, casual clothes for school - the kind that can be bought at any supermarket.

"Obviously, there have to be limits, with no outlandish clothes or flashy jewellery being worn, but sensible shoes and smart jeans are entirely within everyone's budget."

Elizabeth Haddock, headteacher of Salford City Academy, on Northfleet Road, Peel Green, was heavily in favour of school uniforms as a badge of pride.

She said: "When we officially became an academy, changing from Canon Williamson CE High School, it was important for everybody that we had a corporate identity.

"That is why, with the help of students, a new uniform was designed with blazers, shirts and a ties taking over from sweat shirts and trousers. Quite apart from the fact that the students wanted to look the same and weren't interested in designer one-upmanship, the new uniforms were actually a lot cheaper.

"Quite frankly, when you see students in hoodies and jeans, what kind of impression does that give about the school?"

Click on the video link for Channel M's report ...


| Submit CommentSubmit Comments | View CommentsView Comments(13) | Video ClipsWatch video (1 clips)


Most recent 2 of 13 user comments

   Councillor Warmisham is entitled to make these comments to open up an area of debate. Whilst I may not agree with him entirely,he does make valid points.The issue of cost and the monopoly of supply by certain schools being serious issues. However, the comments of the Principal of the Academy are ridiculous. I wasn't aware a school needed a "corporate identity". Surely if a school has to have a uniform it should represent the school and the area it serves. The uniform of Salford City Academy does neither. The logo is obviously nothing to do with Salford and was probably designed at great expense by a P.R company that wouldn't dream of visiting the area. As for the comments regarding "hoodies", perhaps these were meant for Daily Mail readers in a completely different debate!
Brookhouse+Proud, Eccles
29/08/2007 at 01:34
   "I've never seen the point of uniforms..." What! Cllr Warmisham continues to embarrass himself (and the council) with his ignorant comments. Parents and teachers (and most pupils) would agree that uniforms are essential to maintain standards and good behaviour both in school and the surrounding community. Wearing a uniform gives a child a sense of pride and identity. All young people, whatever their circumstances, can be equal. Uniforms are not costly. They are very affordable and excellent value for money ~ considering they are worn every day. He suggests that limits are put in place such as wearing â€<sup>~</sup>sensible shoesâ€<sup>TM</sup> (otherwise known as school shoes!) so wouldnâ€<sup>TM</sup>t teachers have to spend precious teaching time ensuring that 'sensible shoes' are being worn as opposed to £100 trainers or some other expensive footwear? Abolishing the uniform would create a nightmare for school staff having to work out dress codes, given the endless combinations of clothes available. Cllr Warmisham clearly knows very little about children and education~ a very worrying fact given his position on the Council!
salford resident, salford
28/08/2007 at 16:21
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