i always nod in appreciation whenever I see a child in a school uniform. i am very much a proponent of some school-regulated uniform. it doesn’t have to be that “fancy” but can be casual like a pair of dockers, polo shirt, jumper, etc. i can’t begin to count how many news reports i’ve read about a schoolyard swarm or after-school fight or robbery over clothes. school is incredibly violent these days, and a lot has to do with status over who has the best car, the best shoes, the best hair, etc. i think there’s research showing school uniforms help self-esteem and cut down on bullying, not to mention it sure cuts down on the “what am i going to wear today?” drama. kids can wear whatever they want outside of school, but for 6 hours of the weekday they will wear the same as everyone. so kudos to elle for making that choice for her kids.

I’d be interested to see what studies showed uniforms hindered learning. As someone who wore a uniform from day 1 of her school life I know it was certainly the opposite situation in the case of me and my peers.

I wore a uniform from age 3 to age 16. For one month when we were in our final year we were told we didn’t have to wear our uniform and if it went well the school would put having a uniform or not up for a vote. As 16yr olds of course we were delighted. The month came and went and it was not put up for a vote. Why? Because we decided it was not something we wanted. Over 150 16yr olds realised putting on our uniform was part of the process of getting our mind into “learning” gear. It was also a matter of pride. We realised without our uniform on we felt more distant from others in our school, not just those in our year. It was a matter of school pride.

Schools that have a uniform code have a much lower rate of bullying due to clothes or fashion. If everyone is wearing the same you couldn’t be teased for not having the right shoes, the right tops etc.

Uniforms are also beneficial to lower income families. School uniforms are the same price for everyone. There is no bullying for the kids from the poorer families because of what they wear.

This may not be an issue in certain areas in the US but when you have kids being shot in schools from certain areas for their sneakers, school uniforms are something that should be considered.

How unfortunate that these children are constrained in a shirt/tie uniform all day! All the recent anthropologist’ studies have proven that uniforms have no benefit, and actually hinder learning in some cases. Time to leave “tradition” behind, and go with what actually is best for the child.

Forgot to say, he is such a cutie patootie! =D

Exactly, the boys in this school are not allowed to wear trousers, just shorts. It’s part of the strict school uniform. Even the coat is part of the uniform.

I went to a private british school and the uniform for boys is very similar to that. The common standard is that boys dont get to wears trousers till year 7. They must wear shorts. But that is one of the rules that make private schools stand out and more disciplined.

I think the uniform with the shorts also involves long socks, but he looks like he’s heading home and maybe has taken them off; his shirt is also untucked. They wouldn’t be as warm as trousers but better than bare legs.

I love seeing these traditional uniforms. It feels so historic and proper. Perhaps it encourages them to take school more seriously. I hope to send my children (none yet) to a private school where they will wear a uniform, perhaps not one this primped though.

As much as I enjoy looking at the kids pictures I think this one may be a mistake.

I live in the London area and am well aware of the school that little lads uniform is from. It’s quite distinctive even by UK standards and the fact you have said they are in the Notting Hill area narrows it down to the possibility of ONE school.

We know what he looks like, we know his name and some of us know what school he attends. Is that not a bit careless with regards to his safety and security?

As I said I enjoy the pictures of all the celebrites children but if that was my child I would be very worried all those details were out there.