Is a school uniform a relic of the past or an element of a modern school? In the 1980s, no one was surprised by them, and today they're becoming fashionable again. Let's look at the pros and cons of school uniforms.

Some parents still remember their own school uniforms very well, as people who attended school in the 1980s could experience what it was like to wear a compulsory uniform. Some would gladly return to this idea, which reappeared later, when school uniforms in Poland were reinstated in 2007-2008. Others, however, remember their school uniforms very badly and would strongly oppose their reintroduction.

School uniforms: pros and cons

The reluctance some feel towards school uniforms may stem from individual impressions, so it's worth getting familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of uniforms in schools in order to objectively assess their introduction.

School uniform – advantages of school uniforms

• financial savings - although it is a larger one-off expense for parents, when summing up the costs, this solution is cheaper than regularly buying school clothes,
• correct appearance of children at school, no inappropriate clothing items, which can happen quite often, especially in older classes,
• increased safety, it's much easier to recognise strangers and outsiders when all children wear the same outfit,
• identification with the institution, building a sense of community among children,
• time saved when choosing an outfit for school,
• equality among children, school uniforms help reduce the visibility of material differences.

Disadvantages:

• no possibility to build an individual style and emphasise individuality, which is especially important for children, and for older ones is one of the basic forms of self-expression,
• frequent replacement of school uniforms due to children growing, especially in younger school classes,
• not always an attractive look, not everyone will look good in a universal outfit that isn't tailor-made,
• school uniforms can become monotonous and boring.

School uniforms in Poland – it's the headteacher's decision

Black jersey blazer for kids

Today, there's no law requiring a school uniform to be worn in Poland. Most often, a uniform outfit applies in private, Catholic or community schools. The decision as to whether a specific institution requires school uniforms is made by the headteacher of a primary, secondary or arts school. Headteachers consult the introduction of school uniforms with the school management, the parents' council and the teaching staff council, as well as the student council, and it's often a joint decision.

Uniforms in schools – parents can choose the school

Knowing the rules in place at schools and choosing a specific institution, it is the parents who decide whether their child will wear a uniform or not. Of course, this applies to younger children, while for older ones the decision should be made together. So if a parent sees nothing wrong with uniforms for pupils, it's very likely they won't mind. Schools where a school uniform is compulsory are today seen as more prestigious and better. This is often because private schools, which enjoy better reputations, choose to introduce uniform outfits. Introducing school uniforms for girls and boys sets such institutions apart.

What should a school uniform look like?

Navy jersey blazer

The polyester school uniforms familiar to parents are long a thing of the past, and it's worth realising that school uniforms in Poland haven't looked like that for a long time. Today, uniforms take on various forms. From sets consisting of a blazer, shirt and trousers or a skirt, to more comfortable outfits. Of course, it all depends on whether it's a school uniform for a girl or a boy. In some schools, matching T-shirts, e.g. white kids' polo shirts with the school logo, are considered representative uniforms. Similarly, matching navy blazers for kids are sometimes treated the same way. These are often black, navy or white, but this isn't a strict rule. In our range, you'll also find clothes that, once appropriately personalised, are chosen as school uniforms.

This idea seems very good, as it combines wearing a compulsory outfit with an item that is also loose, comfortable and allows for self-expression. A white long-sleeve polo shirt is a fairly comfortable wardrobe item, as is a navy waistcoat. Both garments work well in this role. So uniforms don't have to be stiff and uncomfortable, as some schools successfully prove.

During the previous attempt to introduce a compulsory school uniform requirement, a summary regarding this obligation could be heard from the Ombudsman. He received complaints about the requirement to wear school uniforms, and although, as he said, he sees the drawbacks of this requirement, there are more advantages.
Today, everyone can decide which school their child will attend, and consequently, whether they will wear a uniform to school. This seems like a very good solution, leaving the decision to those directly concerned without imposing anything. We don't like being forced into any solutions, and something that is unacceptable under compulsion can become attractive if it becomes a mark of distinction.