Figure 1.-- The general trend in school uniform regulations during the 1980s was for a more casual uniform. Many schools dropped caps. Ties were not required at many schools, especially during the summer term. Short trousers were still required at many schools, but often the older boys were allowed to wear longs. One interesting detail in this photograph is the use of name tags--little identifying white strips of cloth with the boy's family name--sewn onto the knee socks so they can be distinguished from other school socks in the laundry. Most boys at boarding schools need name tags sewn into their clothes so they don't get mixed up with the clothes of other boys.

Uniform regulations at English schools have varied over time. Uniform regulations during the first half of the 20th century were primarily an aspect of private education. This is because it was the private schools that had uniforms. State primary schools did not generally have uniorms. There may have been regulations about clothing, but we have few details about those requirements at this time. A relatively small number of children went on to secondary school after primary school. The schools like grammar (selective secondary) schools generally followed dress styles at the public schools. Major reforms passed during World war II were slowly implemented after the War. Gradually primary schools adopted simple uniforms. More children began attending state secondary schools after the War. The schools had uniforms and often very strict uniform regulations. In recent years the uniform has generally become less elaborate and formal and the regulations associated with it are usually less complicated than in earlier years. Even so, most secondary scgools continue to require uniforms.

The 1900s

Uniform regulations at English schools have varied over time. Uniform regulations during the first half of the 20th century were primarily an aspect of private education. This is because it was the private schools that had uniforms. State primary schools did not generally have uniorms. There may have been regulations about clothing, but we have few details about those requirements at this time.

The 1930s

A relatively small number of children went on to secondary school after primary school. The schools like grammar (selective secondary) schools generally followed dress styles at the public schools.

The 1950s

Major reforms passed during World War II were slowly implemented after the War. Gradually primary schools adopted simple uniforms. More children began attending state secondary schools after the War. The schools had uniforms and often very strict uniform regulations.

The 1960s

Many of the new peimary schools created as part of the educational reforms adopted basic school uniforms, commonly grey shirts, sweaters, and shorts. Most did not rquire blazers and caps, but the Anglican schools often did a wll as the Catholic schools.

The 1980s

The general trend in school uniform regulationduring the 1980s was for a more casual uniform. Many primary schools still had uniforms requirements, although some began allowing the older boys to wear long trousers. The same trend occurred at private prep schools. The pattern was somewhat mixed. Some allowed all the boys to wear long trousers. Others allowed the older boys to wear longs. Some schools made shorts a seasonal item. Most prep schools dropped caps as paet of the uniform. Some kept them, but only for the younger bota

The 1990s

The uniform during the 1990s became less elaborate and formal and the regulations associated with it are usually less complicated than in earlier years. Even so, most secondary scgools continue to require uniforms.

The 2000s

British readers have provided some information on school uniform trends during the 2000s. Some observers tell us that some of the trends toward more informal, casual school wear have been reversed. We are not yet sure how pervasive these trends are. One trend that appears to have become increasingly prevalent is seasonal uniform rules. Perhaps the most notable trend during the 2000s has been the appearance of religious issues. Until the 1990s such religious issues had been a minor matter. These issues have also surfaced in France and other European countries.

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Created: 9:42 PM 10/5/2006
Last updated: 9:03 PM 3/25/2007