The history of the creation of school uniforms in England. UK school uniform

Illustration: svoboda.org

School friends? I didn’t really have time to make friends: in addition to the regular school, I also attended a music school, located half an hour’s walk away. I ran from one school to another 4 times a week, from first to seventh grade. In the evenings - lessons and preparation for the next test, during the holidays - reading school literature and intensive musical practice.

Teachers? There were few truly worthy ones - those who supported students and aroused in them interest in their subject. And teachers, as a rule, were not distinguished by respect for their students. A condescending tone, mockery and even shouting are, alas, quite common among Russian teachers.

In general, my memories of my school years are something that I would wholeheartedly wish to avoid for my own child. In many ways, our decision to stay in the UK was fueled by the dream of a decent education for our son.

Today I will briefly tell you how an English school works: what the approximate daily routine looks like, what a school uniform is and other important nuances of English school life.

Comprehensive development within the school itself

Lesson in an English school. Photo: dailymail.co.uk

In all English schools, both private and public, great importance is paid to the all-round development of children. In addition to compulsory academic subjects such as mathematics, English and natural sciences, English schools include in their curriculum dancing, singing, physical education, fine arts, computer science, foreign languages and other subjects aimed at developing practical skills and revealing the child’s talents.

English schools offer students a whole range of extracurricular clubs and activities.

In addition to the main program, any English school offers a number of extracurricular clubs and activities. The choice of activities in private schools is especially wide: among them is playing musical instruments, from piano to flute; various sports - football, tennis, rugby, fencing, cricket, swimming, frisbee - and much, much more.

Please note that all of the above is offered within the boundaries of the school territory - the child does not need to travel to distant lands, as I had to do.

School uniform

Almost every school in England has its own school uniform.

In most English schools it is customary to wear a special uniform. The idea of the uniform is to discipline students and remove the element of competition in the way they dress.

It is usually inexpensive, because such clothes should be available to everyone.

As a rule, the uniform of each school is designed in a certain color scheme - for example, blue or green. Mandatory uniform elements may vary: usually public schools are more democratic in this regard.

A typical uniform for boys looks like this: a sweatshirt, cardigan or sweater combined with trousers and plain shoes without “embellishment”. Girls usually wear dresses or skirts with the same top as boys, and again formal shoes.

In the summer, trousers can be replaced by shorts, and sweaters - by T-shirts and polo shirts. A separate uniform is provided for physical education classes; schoolchildren usually take it with them.

Private schools often have eye-catching accessories such as hats for girls and ties for boys. Often such schools regulate other elements of the wardrobe, including jackets and even socks.

School timetable and holidays

Start and end times may vary greatly depending on the school. On average, school in English schools starts at 9 am and ends at 15-30, from Monday to Friday. The school day is divided into lessons, with 15-minute breaks in between and a long break for lunch. As a rule, private schools have longer school days than public schools, and some also have classes on Saturdays. However, in private schools the holidays are longer: if in public schools the Easter and Christmas holidays average 2 weeks, then in private schools they can last 3 weeks or more.

Our clients are often surprised when they find out that English schoolchildren study even in the summer. Indeed, summer holidays in English schools begin no earlier than mid-July and end in early September. However, the good news is that, in addition to the long holidays at Easter and Christmas, there are also short week-long holidays (half-term) in the middle of each term.

As you might guess, academic year in England divided into only 3 academic terms:

Autumn, from September to December,

Winter, from January to March, and

Summer, from April to July.

Schools in England provide healthy and tasty meals for children.

In the middle of the school day, each school has a lunch break. Students can bring their own packed lunch or eat lunch in the school cafeteria if the school has its own kitchen. Each school cares about the health of its students and therefore provides the most balanced meals. Traditionally, the school menu contains options for vegetarians and dishes suitable for all religions. A nice little detail: for all Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 students attending state schools, school lunches are absolutely free. And the youngest children from Reception, in addition to lunches, also receive free fruits and milk.

School assemblies

In England there are no general school assemblies common in Russia. A child’s progress is strictly confidential information that should not be available to anyone except his parents. Schools usually organize one-on-one parent-teacher meetings once every term. Generally speaking, English schools place great importance on communication with parents: any parent can seek help and advice from a teacher or make an appointment with the school principal.

School marks

The concept of a “cool magazine” does not exist in England. In England they start giving grades on a scale from A to E only at the age of 7, but I don’t see such a focus on them as in Russia. In general, English education is a “carrot” system, not a “stick” one: here they reward for achievements, but do not scold for mistakes.

Ridiculing or shaming a child, and even in public, is unacceptable in England. Raising a self-confident, harmonious personality - this is where English teachers see their most important task. And I see the result of such a policy with my own eyes: a child who is passionate about studying, rushing to school every morning.

Our specialists in the field of English education are happy to assist in placing children in schools in the UK.
Contact us today using the following contacts:

In Great Britain, school uniforms first appeared during the reign of King Henry VIII (1509 – 1547). It was blue, because it was believed that wearing such a color was supposed to teach children humility, and the fabric of this color was the cheapest.

In modern England, each school has its own uniform; in addition, school symbols are widely used.

(Total 15 photos)

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1. This is what a school uniform looks like for primary school students at a school in Poynton, Cheshire.

2. The beginning of a new school year. Year 7 students at Burlington Danes School, White City, London, wear their school uniform.

6. Primary school pupils from Mere Brow School in Tarleton, Lancashire, play in the schoolyard.

7. The first day of the new school year at Nottingham Academy. Each student was given a digital photo frame.

8. The uniform of one of the schools in the London district of Harrow also includes a straw hat, traditional for this school.

9. Modern school uniforms can be in bright colors.

10. The dress uniform of Eton College, one of the most famous educational institutions in the world, includes a tailcoat and a smart waistcoat.

11. Pupils at Christ's Hospital School must wear the traditional uniform, the cut of which has not changed for 450 years. But the survey shows that children really like it and are proud of their “ancient” form.

Do you know how schoolchildren in other countries dress?

We already know firsthand how current schoolchildren of the former huge country dress and what their attitude towards this school uniform is now.

We all have different opinions, we all have different moods, and everyone sticks to their own. And yet, the time when students of Ancient Greece wore a chlamys over their tunics, and in Ancient India it was obligatory to wear dhoti hip pants and a kurta shirt even in extreme heat, is not so far away. And the tradition of dressing in a special uniform, which distinguishes non-student children from students, no matter how you look at it, remains. Although in Russia of the 19th century it was not considered shameful to wear a gymnasium uniform after school, and was even encouraged. But... times fly, years pass, and now France, Germany and a good half of Europe have already abolished any form at all, and motley children are carrying colorful backpacks, blowing chewing bubbles.

But still traditions remain and manners remain. Let's see how and what students dress in those countries where school uniforms have not been abolished. Let's see what's unusual about such clothes, or feel nostalgic. And we will see that you can even be proud of “your” school and your school uniform.

In our opinion, it’s not bad at all to have your own style, your own emblem, your own distinction and to be somewhat disciplined in everything.

Japan

In Japan, school uniforms appeared at the end of the 19th century. Nowadays, most private and public schools have school uniforms, but there is no single style and color.

Japanese schoolgirls, 1920, 1921

In the early 20s of the 20th century, European-style sailor suits entered women's school fashion. Fans of oriental culture call them in the Japanese manner seifuku or sailor fuku (sailor suit). Such dresses were ordered from a specific manufacturer only for students of a specific school. Sailor suits have been and remain popular in many schools, but they all differ in the details of cut and color.

Often on the Internet you can find images of high school girls in very short uniform skirts. Naturally, uniforms are not made with such short skirts; schoolgirls shorten them themselves. The fashion for short school skirts appeared in the early 90s under the influence of the popular Japanese pop singer Nami Amuro. Basically, tucking it in at the top and pulling it in with a belt, and covering the top of the tuck and belt with a sweater, jacket or vest. In this form, Japanese schoolgirls usually parade from home to school, and before entering the school, their skirts are lowered to the required length. While in the 70-80s in Soviet schools, young fashionistas (and their mothers) shortened their uniforms forever, cutting off the “extra” length and hemming the hem.

Sri Lanka

In all public and most private schools in Sri Lanka, students wear school uniforms.

The uniform for boys consists of a white short-sleeved shirt and blue shorts (up to 10th grade, about 15 years old). On formal occasions, a white long-sleeved shirt and white shorts are worn. Boys over 10th grade wear trousers instead of shorts.

The school uniform for girls differs from school to school, however, as a rule, it consists entirely of white material. Possible differences: dress with short sleeves or sleeveless, with or without a collar. A white dress usually comes with a tie.

Below is an example of a uniform in a Muslim school in Sri Lanka

Magic purple color and the girls look happy

Butane

The Bhutanese school uniform is a variation of the traditional national dress, which is called "gho" for boys and "kira" for girls. Each school has its own colors.

Cuba

In Cuba, uniforms are mandatory, and not only for schoolchildren, but also for students. By the color of the school uniform you can determine which grade the child is in.

Three main types of form can be distinguished.

Junior classes - burgundy and white. Girls dress in burgundy sundresses and white blouses. Boys wear burgundy trousers with white shirts. Both boys and girls wear scarf ties in the style of those worn by Soviet schoolchildren. True, in Cuba ties are not only red, but also blue.

Middle classes - white top and yellow bottom. For girls these are yellow skirts, and for boys trousers. Girls also wear tall white socks under their sun skirts. This version of the form is for older students.

High school - shades of blue, or rather, blue top and dark blue bottom. Everything is the same for girls - a skirt with a blouse, for boys - a shirt with trousers

North Korea

Students in North Korea are similar to Soviet pioneers. The main integral accessory to a school uniform is a red tie, a symbol of the communist movement. There is no uniform standard for the form.

Vietnam

Uniforms in Vietnam may vary depending on the school or area where the school is located. But, as a rule, the most common form is a light top, dark bottom and a red tie in the pioneer style. This uniform is worn by elementary and middle school students. High school girls wear traditional national clothes Aozai (a long silk shirt worn over pants) in white. High school students prefer dark pants and white shirts, but without a tie. In remote villages, school uniforms are not worn.

Girls dressed in Ao Dai look very graceful

Traditional clothes are not only beautiful, but also comfortable.

England

In modern England, each school has its own uniform. School symbols and a certain style are widely used here, which distinguish students. Moreover, in prestigious schools in England, uniform is a source of pride. Jackets, trousers, ties and even socks should under no circumstances deviate from the given tradition. This is considered not just a violation, but also disrespect for a particular educational institution.

Below are the most interesting, in our opinion, schools in England.

The King's School in Macclesfield

The Ryleys Preparatory School

Cheadle Hulme School

Eton College

In Great Britain, school uniforms appeared a long time ago, at the beginning of the 16th century. Most often, school uniforms in blue colors were used in educational institutions, but over time, this “fashion” began to change.

You can take a look at the school uniforms of modern Englishmen:

1. This is what a school uniform looks like for primary school students at a school in Poynton, Cheshire.

2. Seventh grade students at Burlington Danes School, White City, London are wearing school uniforms, which, by the way, have one interesting feature. At night or twilight, when students in this uniform walk along the sides of roads, the uniform reflects the light of passing cars. Special orafol elements are sewn into the fabric of the uniform. A very correct and original solution for the safety of young British people!

3. At London's Elizabeth Garrett Andersen School, students are encouraged to take part in designing their own school uniform. This approach allows us to better take into account the wishes of children and make the school uniform truly comfortable and elegant.

4. The fabric used in these school jackets from School Cullors is made from 100% recycled polyester. It takes 30 plastic bottles to make one such jacket. For the first time, such school clothes appeared on sale in 2008.

5. Pupils at Eton College climbed a hedge to get a better view of Elizabeth II during her visit to the college in 1990. Eton College is under the patronage of the British royal house; both Prince William and Prince Harry studied here at one time.

6. Primary school pupils from Mere Brow School in Tarleton, Lancashire, play in the schoolyard.

7. The first day of the new school year at Nottingham Academy.

8. The uniform of one of the schools in the London district of Harrow also includes a straw hat, traditional for this school.

9. Modern school uniforms can be in bright colors.

10. The dress uniform of Eton College, one of the most famous educational institutions in the world, includes a tailcoat and a smart waistcoat.

12. In this photo, one of the employees of the Price and Bookland company demonstrates the products of her company - a school uniform for girls who profess Islam.

13. A seventh grade student at Oasis Akedemi Media City School begins her studies in the new semester.

14. Former Bexley Business School teacher George Plemper, now working as a photographer, came to take photographs for the school's students' photo albums.

15. There are also schools in the UK where wearing a school uniform is not compulsory. For example, pupils at Anthony Jell School in Wirksworth, ceremonial Derbyshire, attend classes in their normal clothes.

Since September 1, 2013, a single school uniform has reappeared in Russian schools. In some regions, schools follow the recommendations of local authorities, while in others they set their own requirements for student clothing.

From the history of school uniforms

Few people know that the fashion for school uniforms came to Russia from England in 1834!!! First for boys, and then, when girls’ gymnasiums began to emerge, for girls. The boys sported caps with the emblem of the gymnasium, tunics, overcoats, jackets, trousers, black boots and with the obligatory satchel on their backs. The girls' uniform was also strict: brown dresses with aprons, however, made of high quality fabric and with an elegant cut that made the girl's silhouette slender.

However, already in those days, high school students had ambivalent attitudes towards uniforms. On the one hand, they were proud because the children of wealthy parents studied in gymnasiums, and the uniform emphasized their belonging to the upper class. On the other hand, they didn’t like me because they were required to wear a uniform after school. If high school students in uniform were met in the wrong places: in the theater, at the hippodrome, in a cafe, they had a hard time. On the days of Russian celebrations, high school students dressed in a festive uniform, close to the clothes of adults: a military suit for a boy and a dark dress with a pleated knee-length skirt for a girl.

After the revolution, the form was not thought about until 1949. In 1962, the boys were dressed in gray wool suits, and in 1973 - in suits made of blue wool blend, with an emblem and aluminum buttons. In 1976, girls also began to wear new uniforms. From then on, girls began to wear dark brown dresses, and boys began to wear blue suits. In the mid-80s, the last uniform reform took place: blue jackets were made for boys and girls.

And only in 1992 the school uniform was abolished, excluding the corresponding line from the law “On Education”. Brown dresses and blue suits have replaced “washed jeans”, flared trousers and girlish outfits in the spirit of “whatever”. In modern Russia there was no single school uniform, as there was in the USSR, but many lyceums and gymnasiums, especially the most prestigious ones, as well as some schools, had their own uniform, emphasizing the students’ belonging to a particular educational institution.

School uniforms in different countries (some facts)

Modern students in conservative England still love school uniforms, which are part of the history of their school. For example, in one of the old English schools for boys, students from the 17th century to this day wear uniform ties and vests and, by the way, are proud that their clothes emphasize their corporate affiliation. The largest European country in which there is a school uniform is Great Britain. In many of its former colonies the uniform was not abolished after independence, for example in India, Ireland, Australia, Singapore and South Africa.

In France, a uniform school uniform existed from 1927-1968. In Poland - until 1988.

There is no uniform school uniform in Germany, although there is debate about introducing one. Some schools have introduced uniform school clothing, which is not a uniform, since students can participate in its development. Typically, even during the Third Reich, schoolchildren did not have a uniform - they came to classes in casual clothes, in the uniform of the Hitler Youth (or other children's public organizations).

In Japan, school uniforms are compulsory for most middle and high schools. Each school has its own, but in reality there are not many options. Usually this is a white shirt and dark jacket and trousers for boys, and a white shirt and dark jacket and skirt for girls, or a sailor fuku - “sailor suit”. The uniform usually comes with a large bag or briefcase. Primary schoolchildren, as a rule, dress in ordinary children's clothing.

In India, school uniform is compulsory and consists of a light shirt and dark blue trousers for boys, white blouses with dark skirts for girls. In some schools, the school uniform may be a sari of the same color and cut.

School uniforms in Africa amaze with their variety and color schemes. In Africa, you can find schoolchildren not only in blue or light blue clothes, but also in yellow, pink, purple, orange and green.

In Jamaica, uniforms are compulsory for schoolchildren. This rule applies in most Caribbean countries. Many schools have a mandatory color for shoes and socks and an acceptable height of heels. Jewelry (except stud earrings) is generally prohibited, and some schools have their own requirements for student hairstyles. School uniforms for boys in Jamaica are most often khaki and consist of a short-sleeved shirt and trousers. School uniforms for girls vary significantly from school to school. A common option is a light shirt with short sleeves and a skirt or sundress below the knees. The uniform is often supplemented with stripes, emblems, and shoulder straps to distinguish between schools.

In regular schools in Cyprus, boys wear gray trousers with a white shirt, and girls wear a gray skirt or trousers, also with a white shirt. Some schools may have different student uniforms. For example, the color of trousers and skirts is changed to blue. Or a special uniform color is added for holidays.

In Turkey, school uniforms vary at different levels of education. For example, in elementary school, students wear blue uniforms. In middle and high school, boys wear dark gray trousers, white or blue shirts, jackets and ties. Girls wear skirts and shirts of the same color as boys, as well as ties. Most private schools have introduced their own versions of school uniforms.
In schools in Muslim countries, a headscarf is a mandatory attribute of the female school uniform. When girls turn 12, they wear the hijab. However, even up to the age of 12, starting from the first grade, they wear a school uniform, which is also Muslim clothing and is in many ways similar to the hijab.
In Myanmar, younger boys wear trousers and older boys wear long skirts.
The Laotian women's school uniform is distinguished by a beautiful long skirt with a wraparound pattern and an original pattern.
In Japan, school uniforms are compulsory for most middle and high schools. Most often this is a white shirt and dark jacket and trousers for boys, the uniform is called “gakuran”, and a white blouse, dark jacket and skirt for girls, or “sailor fuku” - “sailor suit”, with a distinctively bright tie. A detail of a Japanese schoolgirl's wardrobe is knee-highs or socks. The uniform usually comes with a large bag or briefcase. Primary schoolchildren, as a rule, dress in ordinary children's clothing.

In the USA and Canada, many private schools have school uniforms. There is no uniform in public schools, although some schools have a dress code.

"Dress code" - the word is relatively new, but has already become fashionable, at least for those who work in an office. Literally means “clothing code,” that is, a system of identification marks, color combinations and shapes that indicate a person’s affiliation with a particular corporation. The employer can set his own rules: for example, women cannot come to work in trousers, or only in business suits, or skirts must be knee-length - neither shorter nor longer, loose uniform on Fridays, etc. and so on. Many adult Russians have already joined the corporate spirit, but their children still go to school in “anything at all.”

“- Children should learn from childhood that a suit is more than just clothes. This is a means of communication. How others will communicate with you depends on how you look, says fashion designer Vyacheslav Zaitsev. Perhaps the school dress code can be of great help to improve your self-esteem, because it allows you to dress stylishly, albeit strictly.”

1 Schoolgirls Great Britain

2 Brand new uniform on the first day of the school year, London, Burlington Danes School.

3 Another school in London— Elizabeth Garrett Andersen. Here, students wear uniforms that they themselves designed. Teachers say that this way the children will not feel discomfort and will be happy to go to class in it.

4 College Students Eton I welcome Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to this educational institution.

5 School uniform Harrow distinguished by straw hats, otherwise it is a regular jacket and trousers.

6 Traditional school uniform in England in first-graders.

7 School at Christ Hospital and her students, dressed in a uniform that has not changed for 450 years.

8 Schoolchildren New Zealand and their school uniform

I also bring to your attention a selection of photographs of school students from around the world in school uniforms.
9 Schoolgirls from Colombia, who rush home after classes.

10 Students from India, also, apparently, heading home.

11 Students from China discussing a school project

12 Students from Jamaica

13 Very conservative school uniform of students from Malaysia

14 Form in Brazilian school.

15 School in Burundi, her students and teacher.

16 Several students and their teacher from Ghana

17 Indonesian schoolboy

18 Nigerian schoolchildren at recess

19 Schoolboy from Pakistan in beautiful shape

20 Bright uniforms of school students in Sari

21 Japanese schoolgirls

22 And another photo of schoolgirls from Japan

23 Schoolgirls in Vietnam. Specially tailored uniform for the holidays.

24 Students from one of the schools Nepal

25 Schoolgirls in South Africa

26 Little students from Burma

27 A little more India