my kids go to a private school and so there is an extremely strict uniform policy that is enforced. The kindy and pp kids wear the sport uniform with sneakers. Then there is a uniform for grades 1-6 and a different one for 7-12. The older kids have blazers, ties and "proper" hats (the younger kids have wide brimmed floppy hats). Each age group has a winter and a summer uniform. No jewellery is allowed except for plain studs or sleepers for girls (no earrings for boys at all), a watch and I think that's it. Boys' hair must be above their collar and girls if its below their collar must be tied up with school coloured bands etc. Girls' skirts and dresses must reach the floor when they are on their knees with their bags on their back. Must use the school bag and shoes must be black lace ups with white ankle socks/tights for girls in winter. Everything has the school logo on it and there is a uniform shop.

I love the uniform and the fact that they enforce it. I have to drive past the public high school to get to the girls' school each day and the kids coming out of their look awful - everything's different, some girls have skirts that barely cover their knickers and/or are skin tight, lots of shirt buttons undone. I think it helps promote pride in both themselves and their school to wear a good uniform. It is more expensive having to buy from the uniform shop, but the clothes seem to last well and with three kids who will be going to the same school I'll get lots of use from hand me downs.