South Australian schools move to stricter student uniforms policy UNIFORM CODE: Lauren Squires from Brighton Secondary, John Vrodos, St Peter's College, Sarah Golfis, Pulteney Grammar and Lauren's sister Emily Squires, who also goes to Brighton Secondary. THEcolour of underwear, the thickness of stockings, skirt lengths and even the size of jewellery are among exacting uniform standards students must adhere to, a Sunday Mail survey of 30 public and private schools has found. And while private colleges have always been at the forefront of uniform discipline, public schools are also enforcing stricter and more conservative uniforms in response to the increasing popularity of independent schools. Social researcher Mark McCrindle said the trend towards conservatism among school uniform policies was driven by parents, who felt nostalgic about their own school uniforms. There is an emerging conservatism with parents today in terms of what they want from schools. "They want technology and engaging teachers but they have a real affection for structure, for strictness and for discipline," Mr McCrindle said. He also said public schools were striving to be more like independent schools. " (Public schools) are trying to make sure they look good and their students are well prepared so it gives their students a leg up," he said. He said newer schools tended to impose stricter codes as well. "If you look at the new schools being started up - and we have a demographic boom at the moment - some new schools are ... going for a detailed uniform so it's definitely a strong educational trend in Australia," he said. The Sunday Mail survey found most public schools tended to have similar policies, where girls were to wear skirts a maximum of 5cm above the knee and preferred male students to be clean-shaven. Policies at private schools such as girls-only Seymour College stipulated underwear should be black or blue in line with the uniform, while at Trinity College in Gawler girls' tights must be at least 70 denier thick and students must get permission each year to wear a crucifix around their neck, which cannot be more than 2cm tall. Students enrolled at one of Adelaide's top public schools, Glenunga International High School, must attend a fitting for their uniforms. Students can only choose from three specific styles of shoes and sports socks must not be worn. Mr McCrindle said statistics show nationally 40 per cent of students are attending an independent school and more than 30 per cent of primary school students are also attending independent schools. This, he said, has government schools addressing their uniform policies to compete with the independent sector. Mr McCrindle said school uniforms can also prepare students for their working lives, as most workplaces had dress codes. SA Secondary Principals Association state president Jan Paterson agreed parents were behind a move towards more conservative uniforms. "Lots of parents like a uniform for the stability of clothing that it allows - to ensure there isn't competition of dress," she said. She said uniforms were a symbol of a school, and a method of identifying students for safety so those who do not belong at a school could be easily identified.by their lack of uniform. Schools are responding to the market. All schools are looking at enrolments and they would be wanting to ensure their school is seen as something that is safe, secure and provides for the future," she said. Parents will provide advice about what they think the image that matches the school. A spokeswoman for the Education Department said the schools or governing councils determine their dress code policy, which could range from "mix-and-match clothing" to an enforced uniform. "School dress codes must be developed in accordance with the department's School Dress Code Policy and must observe health, safety and decency standards, and be practical in their application to a wide range of physical activities and weather conditions," the spokeswoman said. School dress codes can therefore be in the form of a 'uniform', 'colour code' or 'mix-and-match clothing', with the school's preference being determined by the council after wide consultation with the parent community. Jacqui Squires, whose daughters attend Brighton Secondary School, said the school's uniform promotes school pride while making it quicker and easier for kids to get ready each morning. "It makes everybody equal - there is no competing for the latest fashions," she said. St Peter's College student John Vrodos, 18, said the advantage of wearing a school uniform was it portrays a sense of pride in the school. A spokesperson for Pulteney Grammar School said students could choose to wear casual pieces to be more comfortable, but some occasions required students to wear formal pieces.