Uniform is not the answer after Windlesham House School receives outstanding report from ISI

Following a superb inspection report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), Windlesham House School in West Sussex has proven that the ongoing debate about school uniforms, especially in Britain, is a wasted argument.Pupils at the independent, co-educational prep boarding and day school have traditionally not worn a school uniform since the school first opened in 1836. This taboo subject of uniform which often features in the teaching arena quite clearly holds no substance at Windlesham House as the pupils have received outstanding examination results year on year with many pupils receiving scholarships to their desired secondary education establishments.Britain in particular has had many an argument over the years as to whether school uniforms should be made compulsory, the main dispute being that a uniform removes the possibility of social barriers as well as promoting discipline. However, with Windlesham House’s report indicating that “The personal qualities of the pupils are excellent and the emphasis on promoting a happy, caring and warm atmosphere results in pupils who are welcoming, well mannered and unfailingly polite. A sense of community pervades the whole school and the pupils are very proud to be a part of it,” this argument surely cannot be made in the schools case. Indeed, no proof has ever been found to support the case that compulsory uniform improves examination results.David Brunsma, Sociology lecturer at Missouri-Colombia University in the USA, has studied the effect of school uniform on pupils behaviour for many years and found that pupils who wore a uniform did not show any signs of better behaviour or improved academic excellence when compared to those pupils without a uniform.  He commented: “The results, although surprising to many, simply cannot be ignored. Uniforms do not make our schools better.”¹Headteacher at Windlesham House School, Richard Foster, followed by stating: “I am incredibly proud of the schools achievement and the way that our pupils conduct themselves. We have always upheld the tradition of not having a school uniform. Although we stress that pupils are smartly dressed, we believe that their individuality shines through with this system and pupils are able to learn in an environment where they are comfortable thus enabling them to focus on their education.”Although people may argue with this bold statement, especially as Britain is considered to be the leader of uniforms within Europe, tradition may be slowly adapting to the 21st Century with entrepreneurs such as Sir Richard Branson and former Prime Minister, Tony Blair being renowned for their casual business attire. Sir Richard commented: "For me business is not about wearing suits, or keeping stockholders pleased. It's about being true to yourself, your ideas and focusing on the essentials."