SCHOOLWEAR ASSOCIATION OFFICIAL LAUNCH - Printwear & Promotion – garment decoration and promotional clothing/merchandise news & information

SCHOOLWEAR ASSOCIATION OFFICIAL LAUNCH

Published: 01 September, 2007

“Cheap uniform in June, July and August isn’t what we do. What we do matters.” So said Donald Moore, chairman of the newly formed Schoolwear Association at its official launch in July.

In an increasingly competitive industry, the Schoolwear Association was launched to represent everyone in the school specific sector, from retailers, suppliers, direct to school suppliers and wholesalers, to manufacturers and decorators.

200 members have already joined the body, united in their belief of the benefits school specific school uniforms bring.

“We believe strongly that a distinctive school uniform promotes an invaluable sense of community within schools, aiding security and a sense of belonging as well as improving attendance and general behaviour,” said Moore.

“We have been delighted by the response of the industry to the formation of the Schoolwear Association, particularly the willingness of our members to put their competitive differences aside at the door for the good of the industry as a whole.”

The results of some preliminary focus groups held ahead of a (now postponed) research project into the behavioural benefits of school specific uniform were also given at the launch.

They revealed that the majority of pupils are accepting of school uniform and acknowledge the benefits it brings in terms of behaviour, convenience and external reputation.

Speaking at the launch, super head Lady Marie Stubbs, who successfully turned around failing North London school St Georges, said: “Young people want to belong and seek a communal experience. Morale soared and team St Georges went from strength to strength when school uniform was introduced.

“My plea to the Schoolwear Association is to keep the quality up and the prices reasonable.We all know that you get what you pay for in this life and that really, cheap garments are not normally a good purchase.”

She added: “I am very impressed that the Association has commissioned some groundbreaking research into this area.”

More details on the Association, its work and research projects will follow in the magazine next month.

For more information or to join the Association, go to www.schoolwearassociation.co.uk.