The school uniform is the face of the school - a face that expresses our self-worth. This external attribute of the school’s appearance is no less important than the rest: the motto, the architecture or the interior and design of the building and classrooms. School uniform is a recognisable businesslike style standing for neatness, tidiness and elegance. The uniform is part of the rules common to all, the internal charter of the institution. A uniform with the school emblem stylistically unites the entire educational environment and the pupils and teachers into a single whole.

A united standard in clothing is one of the most important external distinguishing features of high standard educational institutions both here, in Russia, and abroad. Bearing in mind that the ENS relies heavily on British educational traditions designed to educate little ladies and gentlemen, the importance of a uniform style of dress becomes obvious. Great Britain is the largest European country where compulsory school uniforms have existed since the sixteenth century and are still more current and popular than anywhere else in the world. For example, students at Christ’s Hospital school wear a traditional Tudor uniform the design of wich has not changed for 450 years. And polls show that students are no’t bothered at all by the seemingly exotic uniform: they are proud to represent centuries-old traditions, thereby maintaining the connection of one age with another. Our appearance determines the inward mood more than we think. All clothing should be appropriate for a particular place and time. School is a place where nothing should distract children from learning. And in this sense the school uniform is extremely functional: it unites and introduces organisation and discipline into the learning process. Identically dressed pupils will not have any reason to organise unspoken «fashion competitions» or discuss the latest styles. School uniform is a very important element of the school’s communication, promoting cooperation within the school fraternity, a sign of the unity and equality of students in one community. It contributes to the development of a sense of solidarity and pride in the institution, distinguishing members of their alma mater from their thousands of other contemporaries. It is no coincidence that in the UK even children of preschool age wear uniforms. For them, as for primary school students, it is especially attractive, because children perceive the uniform as a privilege and a sign of their new student status – clear evidence that they have finally become at least a bit like grownups (I have a striped tie, like dad does!). It is possible that your little one can’t wait to put their new uniform on!