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Having worked in both public and private schools I can only say that climate appropriate uniforms WIN by any measure. The debate can be broken down into ECONOMICS, CONVENIENCE, SCHOOL PRIDE, CONTROL and PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT.

The economics of uniform are indisputable. Both my children wore uniforms to school for their secondary years and apart from the odd new item, the vast majority were sourced second hand. With proper labeling and reasonable parental input, losses can be kept to a minimum, even for a forgetful, adolescent male. There is absolutely no place for peer pressured purchases.

Convenience, almost doesn't require further explanation. Not a single issue about what I will wear today. Keep a clean supply and the job is done. Saves time, saves hassle and eliminates the requirement to keep up with the latest fashion trends. Not even phone calls to peers asking them what they are likely to be wearing tomorrow!

Often overlooked is the benefits relating to school pride. There is absolutely nothing like the effect on student morale that a whole school uniform policy can deliver in terms of raising school community awareness. It might take a few years for a school to effectively implement a uniform policy but its worth it just for the improvement in school community spirit.

Control, who would have thought? It works, students are less likely to misbehave in public settings when they are in school uniform. I have spent plenty of time giving students out of school learning experiences. Think about it! If you have twenty students doing research in a shopping precinct, you can identify them and you don't spend your time counting strays. Its great too if there is an accident or if a student is a little lost. Most people will recognize a student wearing uniform as an undeveloped adult and will offer assistance without question.

Personal development is the single most important thing that I relate to in this debate. It is my strong view that if the opportunity to externalize individuality through the application of hair-style, make-up, jewelry, and individual clothing is removed, it is up to the INDIVIDUAL to develop character projection skills without them. There is less likelihood for gang mentality. Fellow students and teachers tend not to pre-judge students as easily if they are in uniform. Students are treated on their individual merits. Self-expression is not stifled, it just has one external aspect removed. Will a student write a better poem if they have a bone through their nose, multiple earrings, tattoos and a cap on backwards?

I'm a bit old and crusty now to give much heed to the die-hard civil libertarians who somehow equate the wearing of uniforms to the destruction of all that is good in developing children. Rather, I would ask what happens in sport, in many businesses and cynically inquire as to the impediments to our top sportspeople that uniforms have caused.

Hmmmn! Imagine the Olympics without uniforms!

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