The elimination of
gang-related clothing, the capability for students to be identified when
representing the school during excursions, and the creation of a dress code which does not require the spending of large amounts of
money, are reasons which have been cited for the use of uniforms in
Western Australia. Most reasons can be disproved (see above), but it is still the basis of many
schools'
policy.
Most schools here in Western Australia have uniforms, (and the public education system here is reasonably good) but a nearby public school which was recently closed, which had no uniform, was among the top schools in the state -- but also a breeding ground for socialism and student activism. Interestingly enough, this school was closed by a conservative government. Perhaps conservative governments view dress codes as a method for keeping students complacent...