Oxford school uniform change supported

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, local democracy reporter

School uniforms can be a polarising subject, but not, it seems, at Oxford Area School.

The school unveiled a new school uniform this year, which has been met with a seal of approval from pupils.

Principal Mike Hart said the change followed extensive engagement with staff, parents and pupils.

"Uniforms are quite polarised within quite diverse communities — from those who want a business attire, to those who don’t want any uniform."

Hart said a survey of the school community was held in 2020 and found there was plenty of interest in modifying the uniform.

Over the next year a working group, comprising staff, parents and pupil representatives, was formed to develop a new uniform which was gender neutral.

There is now one uniform all year round, with no summer and winter uniform, but pupils from year 7 can choose between a business shirt or a polo shirt.

"The aim of the uniform was to have a modern uniform for modern learning," Hart said.

"We were very conscious the cost of the uniform needed to be manageable for our school community."

To ease the burden on families, a one year transition has been introduced, with pupils able to wear either the old or new uniform or a mix this year, before the new uniform takes effect in 2024.

But Hart has been surprised by the uptake, especially among Year 12 pupils.

"We were quite surprised given that by the time we fully implement the uniform in 2024 they will be Year13 and won’t need to wear a uniform.

"What it tells us is they like it.

"There has been a massive uptake on the new uniform.

"I think that is because there was a strong student voice in the development of the uniform, so they brought into the outcome."

*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air