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Students Learn Better In Uniform, Headmaster Says, Brushing Off Cost Concerns
The head of an Auckland high school is defending high uniform costs, arguing it is in students' best interests.
Westlake Boys High School headmaster Paul Fordham told Morning Report while he acknowledged the start of the year was an expensive time for families, wearing a uniform was more economical long-term.
"It's a high-quality uniform that we believe to be quite accessible. The fact that it's high-quality means it lasts longer.
"I know there's some commentary around school uniforms and the cost attached to that, but it means there's no other clothing required to be purchased for school throughout the year."
The Westlake Boys uniform set, which includes a formal blazer, costs roughly $550 a year - a similar cost to several other high schools.
Fordham said there were also social and cultural benefits to requiring a uniform.
"Boys at our school are proud to wear the uniform. It gives them a strong sense of identity and belonging.
"It aligns with our school image. We consider ourselves a relatively high-performing, conservative, traditional boys' school.
"The uniform being a shirt, a tie, and a blazer, when the boys put that on to come to school each day, they're prepared and ready to go and understand the expectations of the school and the school day ahead of them.
"I believe it contributes to a better learning environment.
The school also expected students to wear their blazers at assemblies twice a week and at special events throughout the year.
"They also wear them as extra layers of clothing," Fordham said.
"They might wear that as an alternative to a jersey or a jumper in winter. It's a really warm garment to be wearing."
He said the school sold second-hand uniforms at a lower cost and families could both buy and sell uniform pieces.
Education Minister Erica Stanford told The Post on Tuesday it was up to "individual schools to make sure that school uniforms are affordable for families, and it's my expectation that they do that".
"I have noticed that other countries are moving in that direction, and it's certainly something I'll take a look at."
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