Dorset Youth Parliament member speaks out on school uniform

Stanley Bowden, a member of Youth Parliament and student at Colfox School in Bridport, is on a mission to make uniform in Dorset more accessible, practical, and affordable. 

Dorset Youth Parliament gives a space for young people like Stanley, where they can share their thoughts and make positive changes in the community. 

It's a place where they talk about issues that affect students and try to find solutions that work for everyone. 

Stanley, who has been campaigning on school uniform for two years, is calling for schools to be more accommodating and ease the financial pressure on families during the cost-of-living crisis.   

He said: “I think schools could use cheaper brands for uniforms and set up places where students can swap their old uniforms.”  

"I'd also like students to have more personal autonomy with their uniform and use it to express themselves.”  

"My school has made some really positive changes to its uniform policy and my fellow students now have more freedom in what they wear.”  

The young parliamentarian is also calling for uniforms to be more practical for students to wear outside of school, including removable school logos. 

He would also like a 'uniform rating system' that score uniforms on comfort, practicality and cost. 

Stanley's suggestions have received a positive response from other youth parliament members and the schools in Dorset he has contacted.   

Cllr Byron Quayle, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help said "It's good to see young voices like Stanley being heard in the community.” 

“The Dorset Youth Parliament provides a brilliant opportunity for young people to have their say and to be listened to." 

The Dorset Youth Parliament will keep working on issues that matter to young people and the community. For more information, please see Dorset Youth Voice - Dorset Council 

 

Vote for the young person you want to represent you in the UK Youth Parliament 

Members of Youth Parliament are 11–18-year-olds who are passionate about representing the views of young people in their community. During February, young people in Dorset can vote for the candidate they wish to represent them. If their school is not taking part in the election, and they wish to vote online, email the Youth Voice team (youthvoice@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk). 

Watch this video and hear from the candidates: UK Youth Parliament 2024 Dorset Candidates (youtube.com)