This Children’s Mental Health Week, we’re exploring the connection between school uniforms and children’s mental health.
We’ll say it straight away here: school uniform isn’t going to be a “cure” for a child struggling with their mental health, and if you know of any children or pupils who need support for their mental health, please do direct them towards the appropriate resources, such as the NHS “Every Mind Matters” page.
What are the mental health benefits of wearing school uniform for children?
Back in 2007, the Schoolwear Association commissioned Oxford Brooked University to research the link between school uniforms and mental health, exploring the perceptions of school-age teenagers aged 13-17 around wearing school uniforms. You might expect the study’s participants to shun uniforms in favour of wearing the latest fashion trends; in fact, the teenagers felt that a consistent dress code had multiple benefits, from creating a sense of belonging to reducing the decisions they had to make on a daily basis.
A decade later in 2017, another independent study from Independent Education Today confirmed these findings:
“Far from stifling their personality and creative expression, the majority of young people told us they like wearing a uniform and, in fact, non-uniform days make them anxious because they feel they have to conform to what is considered the ‘norm’” – Independent Education Today
Exploring the 3 main benefits of school uniform on children’s mental health.
Benefit #1: Not having to decide what to wear each day to school
Steve Jobs famously found convenience in wearing his signature black turtleneck and jeans combo every day, meaning one less thing to distract him from what mattered – running his business.
As parents, we’re far too aware of the constant to-do lists running through our brains, and young people are not immune to this kind of mental clutter, particularly when it comes to their physical appearance. School uniforms can reduce decision fatigue and is one less thing for school-age children to worry about, helping to ease the mental load for children.
Benefit #2: Not having to worry about whether they would be criticised or bullied by their peers
Removing the pressure to buy expensive brands and the latest fashion, school uniform promotes equality amongst children across different socio-economic backgrounds. By reducing the visible economic disparities between students, students have less opportunity to form cliques based on socioeconomic status. This can help to reduce bullying, which is often linked to differences in appearance.
However, not all children can afford the uniform they need, especially when the average school uniform costs over £100. This is why children must have access to pre-loved or second-hand school uniforms – parents who cannot afford expensive new school uniforms should have access to the clothing their child needs at school at an affordable price.
The government is also making legislative changes to help alleviate financial stress for families here. The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill proposes capping branded uniform items to three, plus a tie, for schools in England. Ministers hope, when implemented in September 2026, that this measure will save families over £50 per child, and by removing the pressure of expensive branded school uniforms, children will be able to fit in with their peers, regardless of family income.
Benefit #3: School uniform can build a sense of community
We’re tribal beings – a sense of belonging is a fundamental human need (source). School uniforms can foster a sense of belonging and school spirit, and a common visual identity helps to create a collaborative environment where pupils can feel proud of their school values. Yes, pupils will still find ways to show their sense of individuality, whether by how they roll their sleeves or the accessories they choose; however, school uniforms will help them become part of a collective body and create a sense that they are part of something larger than themselves.
There are mental health benefits to this; being part of a community is proven to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation (source), and studies show that children with strong social connections experience fewer mental health issues than those who feel excluded (source). Lastly, a sense of belonging provides emotional security, helping students cope with academic and social pressure.
Our final thoughts on school uniforms and mental health
As we said before, school uniform isn’t the be-all and end-all of children’s mental health. Unfortunately, bullying and low self-esteem issues will remain in schools regardless of what pupils must wear; our focus should be to create an open and inclusive environment where children feel able to speak up if they are suffering from depression, anxiety or any number of mental health issues.
However, school uniforms, particularly the sense of community and belonging they foster, can benefit children beyond just giving them something to wear Monday to Friday. Moving forward, it’s about being proactive in making sure that children from all economic backgrounds can reap these benefits.