Smarten up your act for pupils’ respect

8th August 2008, 1:00am

Share

Smarten up your act for pupils’ respect

https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/smarten-your-act-pupils-respect

I read in GQ magazine that Chris Keates of NASUWT is against a dress code for teachers, arguing that such a code would be demoralising. What nonsense. As a headteacher, I insisted on a dress code. I had no problem with women wearing smart trousers, nor did I measure their hemlines, but I did insist that pupils wore a smart uniform and expected staff to set an example. Pupils respect a teacher who takes the trouble to look as well as act like a professional.

As a head, I challenged the Inland Revenue for a suit cleaning allowance - science teachers can claim for lab coats, caretakers for overalls - but to no avail. Perhaps teachers will fare better. Chalk dust plays havoc with your pinstripe, but what the hell, wear your Armani with pride!

Tony Callaghan, Alpington, Norfolk.

Want to keep reading for free?

Register with Tes and you can read two free articles every month plus you'll have access to our range of award-winning newsletters.

Keep reading for just £1 per month

You've reached your limit of free articles this month. Subscribe for £1 per month for three months and get:

  • Unlimited access to all Tes magazine content
  • Exclusive subscriber-only stories
  • Award-winning email newsletters
Recent
Most read
Most shared