Text 1: A school newsletter article

At the start of term, the uniform rail outside the office is busy. A jumper is passed to a younger pupil; a blazer that no longer fits is folded for someone else. I like seeing the same colours in the playground. When everyone wears the same uniform, there is less pressure to have the newest clothes, and it is easier to feel part of the school.

That does not mean every rule makes sense. Our old ties were uncomfortable, and pupils were forever loosening them. The school listened and changed to a softer fabric. A uniform should help pupils feel ready to learn, not leave them tugging at their collars all day.

Text 2: A pupil’s letter to the school council

I understand why the school wants us to look smart, but I do not think a uniform should decide every detail of how we dress. The rules say our shirts must be tucked in and our shoes must be plain. On warm days, the classroom feels stuffy, and a shirt tucked in all day can be uncomfortable.

Uniform can also cost families money. If a jumper has the school badge, it is harder to use it for anything else. I would rather have a few basic rules about looking tidy and let pupils choose more of their own clothes. We could still look like a school without all being dressed exactly alike.

Both texts present views about school uniform.