Debate Grows Over School Uniform Policies and Pupil Wellbeing

Rising temperatures and concerns about mental health prompt review of school uniform rules

As the UK experiences increasing temperatures and schools enter the summer term, there is renewed discussion about the impact of strict school uniform policies on pupils. Research from the University of Bradford has highlighted potential links between rigid uniform enforcement and issues such as bullying, inequality, and poor mental health among students. Particular attention has been drawn to how these policies affect girls, minority ethnic pupils, and those with special educational needs.

Research findings on uniform enforcement and pupil wellbeing

Dr Elizabeth Nassem, a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Bradford specialising in school bullying and pupil wellbeing, has raised concerns about the continued use of strict uniform rules. She notes that many of these policies are based on Victorian-era ideas and may not reflect the needs of today’s young people.

Her research indicates that uniform policies, while often justified as promoting discipline and equality, can lead to increased scrutiny of pupils’ bodies. This scrutiny frequently impacts girls who are more physically developed or from minoritised backgrounds, who are more likely to be disciplined or made to feel ashamed due to their appearance.

Impact on specific groups and school dynamics

• Girls, especially those who do not conform to narrow standards of femininity, report feeling singled out and sexualised when uniform rules are enforced.
• Black girls, working-class pupils, and children with special educational needs are disproportionately affected by uniform enforcement and disciplinary measures.
• Teachers often enforce these rules rigidly, sometimes without the training or discretion needed to respond sensitively to individual circumstances.

Dr Nassem emphasises that uniform enforcement can exacerbate existing inequalities and contribute to negative experiences in school, including lowered self-esteem and mental health challenges.

Calls for a more flexible approach

Rather than advocating for the complete abolition of school uniforms, Dr Nassem suggests adopting more flexible, child-centred policies. Recommendations include:

• Relaxing uniform rules during periods of high temperatures
• Allowing limited choice within agreed colour palettes
• Involving pupils in reviewing uniform policies
• Supporting teachers to apply professional judgement rather than enforcing rules rigidly

She argues that such measures could help balance the need for order with the wellbeing of pupils, creating a safer and more inclusive school environment.

Context of wider concerns about bullying and harassment

Concerns about bullying and sexual harassment in schools have been highlighted in recent reports by Ofsted. A 2021 rapid review into sexual abuse in schools and colleges found that sexual harassment had become normalised for many pupils, particularly girls, with low-level behaviours often going unchallenged.

More recent inspections and national surveys suggest that pupils do not always feel their voices are heard and that behaviour policies are not consistently perceived as fair. These findings underscore the need for school systems to evolve and better reflect pupils’ lived experiences.

About Dr Elizabeth Nassem

Dr Nassem is a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Bradford and an expert on school bullying, sexual bullying, and pupil wellbeing. She has worked with schools and local authorities across the UK and is the author of The Teacher’s Guide to Resolving School Bullying. Her research focuses on how institutional practices, including discipline and surveillance, influence bullying, inequality, and mental health in schools.