Secondary School Uniforms in Isle of Man Schools

We asked for your opinions on the principles of secondary schools uniforms in Isle of Man schools to inform a review of the current uniform policies that are in place.

School uniform is a key element in promoting the ethos of a school, providing a sense of belonging and identity and setting an appropriate tone for an education setting. It is acknowledged to deliver important benefits to students, schools, families and the wider community.

By creating a common identity amongst all pupils, regardless of background, a uniform can offer many benefits, some of which include:

• Improved concentration and orderliness in the school environment
• Acting as a social leveller
• Promoting equality and a sense of togetherness
• Helping to identify students outside of the school site
• Highlighting people on school sites who should not be there
• Promoting pride and belonging for students in their school and local community

Schools work hard to maintain high standards in compliance with their published uniform requirements, helping all stakeholders understand what is expected from students and as a result encouraging and supporting the benefits a uniform offers.

A public consultation was open for four weeks in January and February 2023. A total of 1,162 responses were received, with 1,044 identified as key stakeholders. Included in the respondents were teachers, students, parents and uniform providers.

50% of respondents stated that uniform ‘could be made more cost effective’.

50% of respondents stated that uniforms ensure students are not singled out because of what they are wearing.

In answering the question ‘what role does school uniform have in the ethos and culture of schools’:

• 62% of respondents stated it shows students as representatives of the school in the community
• 50% of respondents stated it fosters a sense of belonging
• 50% of respondents stated it allows a predictable selection of clothing for students who may find this stressful

When considering costs, 60% of respondents stated that the number of branded items in a school PE kit should be minimised. The full consultation results have been uploaded and can be viewed on the 'files' section below.

Following review of the consultation results, no change to the existing Department’s School Uniform Policy Guidance from July 2021 are considered necessary.

Individual schools set their own Uniform Policy, in line with the guidance issued by the Department.

The consultation results have been reviewed and considered by all Secondary School Headteachers. Please find in the 'files' section below a summary of planned changes to the school uniform, to be implemented in the academic year commencing in September 2024 (subject to approval by the schools’ Governing Body).

Opinions on school uniform and the appropriateness of the questions to be asked as part of the consultation were sought from school leaders and student focus groups. The points below came out as part of this research and may be of benefit to interested parties:

• Schools would like parents/carers to know that they are happy to be approached if concerns arise about the acquisition of uniform. In the past, schools have been able to donate new and/or pre-worn uniform/footwear to families in their communities who are unable to acquire items for whatever reason
   
• Families can apply to the Department for uniform assistance from the available educational endowment provided by a benefactor – more information and an application form is available from the DESC's homepage under downloadable documents
   
• Schools referenced parents/carers raising concerns about the cost involved in replacing items of lost uniform. Schools seldom experience items going missing permanently, but each school is left with a considerable volume of unnamed lost property each academic year. When lost items are clearly labelled with the student’s name, they are often quickly returned to the owner
   
• Lost items that cannot be returned to their owner are kept for an appropriate length of time by schools and may be donated to other families if not claimed
   
• PE departments have a stock of items that they lend, or sometimes donate, to students who may not have access to the required items for lessons