‘Unnecessary, expensive’: Is it time for the school uniform to go?

To some, they’re a signifier of class, status and a sense of belonging, while for others they stifle self-expression and lock children and teens into uncomfortable gender norms.

School uniforms have been a staple of Australian culture since the 19th century. Over the years, they may have morphed and adapted to Australia’s warmer climate, but their relevance remains a source of ongoing debate.

Indeed, most of today’s teens are still rocking the same stuffy blazers and scratchy polyester skirts that their parents were required to wear decades ago, although some schools have begun to allow for more inclusive options, or even ditch uniforms altogether.

Preshil School is an independent K-12 school in Melbourne that does not require its students to wear uniforms. “Uniforms can be powerful symbols,” says Preshil School principal Aaron Mackinnon. “But at Preshil, we resist conformity. Adolescence is a time to explore who you are, and clothes are part of that self-expression. We want our students to feel free to show up as themselves.”

Mikhaela Delahunty and daughters Evie, 11 (left) and Georgia, 12 (right). Delahunty is pro school uniform but quite relaxed about how it is enforced.Credit: Chris Hopkins

Some studies have suggested that school uniforms offer little in the way of child behavioural standards and can even negatively affect a child’s sense of belonging.

One study from Murdoch University also found that uniform dress codes may lead to discrimination and inequality.

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Mackinnon remains unconvinced by the traditional arguments in favour of uniforms. Namely, that students who wear them spend less time getting ready in the morning and that uniforms help to minimise class divisions.

“In spaces where you don’t have to wear a uniform, you just wear what you’re most comfortable with,” he says.

For Sydney-based parent Kelly Symes, school uniforms are more trouble than they’re worth.

“School uniforms are unnecessary, expensive and can cause problems [for] those who experience sensory issues or gender dysphoria,” says Symes, who has two neurodivergent and transgender children. “I also feel that the policing of uniforms detracts from the learning experience of school life.

“As a parent, I feel that uniforms only serve as a form of control.”

While Symes does see the benefits of wearing uniforms on school excursions and at sporting events, she believes that the cons are just too numerous to ignore.

“Uniforms limit self-expression, and the idea that they promote a sense of belonging is not a positive one,” she says. “In my opinion, this encourages the idea that those [who] don’t look the same as us are not to be trusted … and this mentality potentially continues outside a school setting.”

Some have suggested that school uniform policies don’t always consider the needs of neurotypical and autistic young people where sensory issues can emerge due to scratchy fabrics or restrictive clothing styles.

More parents are questioning the value of school uniforms that restrict movement and reinforce gender norms.Credit: Istock

Autism Awareness Australia chief executive and founder Nicole Rogerson says that because uniforms can be physically uncomfortable for some children, schools should aim to be more flexible with their dress codes.

“It doesn’t need to be so adversarial like, ‘these are the rules, and you must abide by them’,” Rogerson says. “It should really become a conversation that asks: ‘What is it about this uniform that’s hard for you? Is there something we can do to help?’

“The best solution is [for teachers] to talk to the student and talk to their parents.”

Child psychologist Dr Nicole Carvill says that more schools could consider ways uniforms can be better improved to help, instead of hinder, students.

“Our diversity today means that there are more reasons why schools and the government should continue to discuss uniform policies,” Carvill says. “Especially in relation to finances, gender identity, neurodiversity and mental health.”

Carvill also points out that school uniforms do have some advantages, such as providing a sense of structure and routine to a child’s day.

“That type of predictability can be a useful thing, but you really need a uniform that is flexible. Kids should be able to wear a sports uniform, or something else instead, if they feel uncomfortable.”

However, not everyone is convinced that it is time just yet to ditch uniforms. Melbourne mother Mikhaela Delahunty says they have a lot to offer.

“For schools steeped in heritage and tradition, I appreciate that uniforms have a historically significant role in supporting the school’s identity and sense of belonging,” the mother of three says. “I don’t think uniforms are detrimental to developing self-expression in teenagers, [since] they can express themselves in so many other ways. And for those who love fashion, there’s always the weekend.”

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Delahunty says her three daughters appreciate how a school uniform makes dressing in the morning a lot easier, but says she understands why other children might be uncomfortable wearing one, especially for sensory reasons.

“I support schools having the freedom to decide their own uniform policies, and families having the freedom to choose whether that policy is right for their child.

“I’m glad uniforms are starting to evolve, especially for girls. My eldest wears pants to school, the blazer is optional now, and they’ve scrapped the tie. Not having to put together an outfit every day actually helps, and a uniform gives her a sense of ease.”

NSW Primary Principals’ Association state president Michael Burgess says uniforms benefit students, parents and teachers alike.

“My experience in schools is that parents like to have a uniform,” he says. “They help reduce distractions, support the expectations of a school, and encourage students to take pride in their school.

“I think the way uniforms operate at the moment works well for most communities.”

However, Burgess agrees that flexibility should be granted for students with cultural, sensory or gender concerns.

“There has to be some flexibility and consideration applied … schools are already really responsive to those sorts of issues, and they can be really creative in finding ways to keep a standard of uniform that’s flexible, and help develop that sense of pride of learning.”

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