With the recent launch of the new Senior Coopersale Hall Uniform, the Oak-Tree Group explores the reasons why having a school uniform is so important, and the benefits it brings to the school, pupils and parents.
A school uniform is the norm for most schools in the UK. At the Oak-Tree Group, we believe there are many advantages to embracing a school uniform.
Promoting a Sense of Belonging
It is surprising that something as simple as wearing a school uniform can foster a sense of community and belonging. It is hard to beat the feeling for a new pupil or a parent of putting a new school uniform on for the first time. A uniform identifies a pupil as a clear member of the school body, fostering a sense of belonging. It can help pupils bond and find common ground quickly and easily.
Ensuring Equality
Wearing a school uniform is a beneficial tool in highlighting equality. Pupils are relieved of the pressure of following the latest trend, or of being able to afford the latest must have item. When everyone has the same uniform, it may relieve the anxieties that can be associated with having to look a certain way in order to fit in. Children of all backgrounds can begin from the same starting point.
Showing the School in a Good Light
Most schools are very proud of the behaviour of the majority of their students. While wearing their uniform after school or while traveling to or from school, most pupils will paint their school in a good light, simply by being themselves. While out and about on school trips and visits, which school the pupils have come from is immediately evident. Again, the pupils turn into ambassadors for the school. It is always nice to get feedback from a venue or member of the public about the good behaviour of pupils when out of school.
The Right Head Space
Many people believe that a school uniform contributes positively to a child’s behaviour when in school. Wearing different clothes in school compared to the clothes that a pupil might wear at home or on the weekends sets distinct boundaries between work and play. Putting on a smart uniform every morning is a clear indicator that it is time to learn, putting them in the right headspace for lessons. When wearing their uniform, their purpose is to work on their studies. Pupils will also find it easier to understand and apricate the boundaries and behaviour that is expected of them while wearing the uniform.
Ease for Parents
No matter which why you look at it, sending a child into school every day in the same thing has got to be an easier option for parents than finding a new outfit of a morning. As every parent or pupil knows, the morning routine can be rushed and chaotic.
Having a school uniform removes one thing from the to do list. Parents won’t have to worry about working out what is appropriate for school and ensuring they have enough clean outfits to get them through the week. All a parent has to do is purchase the uniform at the start of the school year, with a few spares, and then not think about buying again until their child has grown out of their current kit.
A lot of care and attention goes into ensuring that a school uniform not only looks smart, but is also durable, and able to withstand the daily activities of school life.
Second Hand Uniform
Most schools have the option of buying second had uniform to help keep costs down. Not only that, but this initiative helps to reduce waste, which is in line with most schools’ desire to stay as ‘green’ as possible.
A smart blazer, tie and shirt might not be the choice outfits for many pupils, but the benefits are clear, and it looks like a school uniform is here to stay.
The Uniform at the Oak-Tree Group of Schools
At the Oak-Tree Group of Schools, all pupils from Lower Kindergarten to Year 11 are expected to look smart at all times, and to wear the school uniform with pride. It is part of their education that they are taught to become ambassadors for the Oak-Tree Group when wearing their uniform inside or outside school.
We are delighted to be able to share our new Senior uniform as part of the development of our new Senior Department within Coopersale Hall School. The uniform will be worn by the pupils who move into Year 7 in September 2023 and beyond.
The new uniforms took a lot of planning and consideration behind the scenes, and we are very pleased with the final outcome. We feel the uniform reflects the successful and vibrant school Coopersale Hall School is, while still blending seamlessly with the current Early Years, Junior and Senior uniforms.
You can find more information about the school uniform at each of the schools in the Oak-Tree Group below.
