Why the debate around school uniforms is far from simple
Analysis: School uniforms bring together conversations about cost, comfort, sustainability, tradition and identity that warrant closer examination
By Majella McSharry, DCU and Rachel Shanks, University of Aberdeen
This time of year brings a flurry of conversations around school uniforms, their affordability and even their purpose. For the remainder of the year, uniforms receive little media or parliamentary attention. Yet, within the walls of schools, uniforms can be central to the demands and reprimands of daily life throughout the school year.
The concept of school uniforms often evokes images of shirt collars, ties, and polished shoes, a staple in Irish education and beyond. But school uniforms also bring together conversations about cost, comfort, sustainability, tradition and identity that warrant closer examination.
From RTÉ Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne, discussion on the need for the school uniforms
When did uniforms become a staple in Irish schools?
With a long history of secret schooling (such as hedge schools) and non-school attendance, it wasn't until the early 1900s that Irish school-going children became more visible. Indeed, it was probably the arrival of free post-primary education in 1967 that truly visibilised the Irish school-going population.
At that time, school uniforms were adopted by individual schools to varying degrees. Fee-paying post-primary schools were the first to introduce uniformed dress, with a style closely resembling that of private schools in the UK. Ties, collared shirts, pleated skirts, tailored trousers and woolen jumpers introduced then, remain consistent with uniform styles today.
By the late 20th century, uniforms had become a feature of all post-primary schools and to a significant extent in primary schools too. Today, uniforms are commonplace across almost the entire Irish primary and post-primary landscape, a practice matched only by the UK, Cyprus and Malta in European terms. The view that uniforms somewhat 'level the playing field', is a commonly presented argument underpinning the Irish embrace of school uniforms. However, 'getting onto the playing field’ has cost implications that are more affordable for some than others.
The hidden cost of 'free' education
While education is publicly funded, school uniforms represent an unavoidable expense for many families. The Government’s Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BTSCFA) provides financial support to some families, but even then it often falls short of actual clothing expenses.
In 2017 the Department of Education issued guidelines to reduce uniform costs by encouraging the use of generic uniforms with sew-on crests. But implementation has been inconsistent, with many schools continuing to insist on expensive, branded uniforms. When schools mandate crested or branded items from exclusive suppliers, costs increase further, undermining the principle of equitable access to education.
Beyond cost: convenience, comfort and inclusivity
Alongside the egalitarian argument favouring school uniforms lies the argument for sheer convenience. Uniforms provide busy parents with much needed respite from decision making and fashion pressures. While uniforms might be known for their convenience, comfort is a critical dimension, where they may not rate as highly. The material and structural compositions of uniforms are generally at odds with the types of clothing typically worn by children, making uniform clothing feel 'unusual'.
The rigidity of traditional uniform with shirt and tie, and stiff or irritable fabrics, may exacerbate anxiety and discomfort for some students. School uniforms are worn for long hours, yet many policies overlook this comfortability aspect and students’ sensory needs.
The sustainability question
Fast fashion’s environmental toll has thrust sustainability into the spotlight, and school uniforms are no exception. Textiles account for a significant portion of landfill waste, but initiatives such as uniform banks and recycling schemes are making strides in promoting reuse.
In recent years, uniform banks have gained significant momentum at school and community level throughout Ireland. They provide a model that demonstrates the longevity of certain fabrics, the power of sharing resources and the benefits of putting those resources back into the community in a circular fashion. Uniform banks give schools and communities opportunities to become leaders in sustainable practices while also addressing school uniform affordability.
From RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, dealing with dirty school uniforms
Uniforms as symbols of identity and control
Uniforms are more than garments and some believe they symbolise belonging, discipline and even professionalism. Policies often cite benefits like reducing bullying, enhancing safety and fostering a sense of community. Yet, these same uniforms can also become tools of exclusion. Not wearing the correct uniform, or not wearing the uniform correctly, can be a source of tension between students and teachers. Equally, variations like special ties for sports teams or badges for prefects can create visible hierarchies between students.
On one hand, uniforms level the playing field by mitigating the pressure to wear trendy or expensive clothes. On the other hand, strict enforcement of uniform policies can stigmatise students who are not complying, often due to financial constraints. For example, when teachers call out students for 'wearing the wrong shoes', are they simultaneously amplifying socio-economic divides?
The future
In Scotland, national guidance on school uniforms was issued in 2024, prioritising affordability, comfort, and sustainability. This marked a significant step in rethinking the role of uniforms in education there. Ireland, with its similar tradition of uniforms, has an opportunity to rethink the place of uniforms in its schools.
The debate around school uniforms is far from simple. It raises critical questions: why has the style of uniforms remained largely unchanged for decades? Why do we persist in dressing students in attire reminiscent of bygone office cultures? Is it about maintaining control, or is there a deeper cultural attachment at play? Have we simply not thought creatively about designing modern day uniforms?
Ultimately, reimagining school uniforms is about aligning them with contemporary values and ensuring that they are affordable, inclusive, and sustainable. As schools shape the citizens of tomorrow, it's time for uniforms to reflect the priorities of today.
Follow RTÉ Brainstorm on WhatsApp and Instagram for more stories and updates
Dr Majella McSharry is an Assistant Professor in Sociology and Education and Chair of Postgraduate Studies by Research in the School of Human Development at the Institute of Education at DCU. Dr Rachel Shanks is a Senior Lecturer in Education and Interdisciplinary Institute Director for Social Inclusion and Cultural Diversity at the University of Aberdeen.