Tribal uniforms explained

There’s no better way to improve character and cure self-consciousness than to insist your child dress like a fool during their formative years. Distinct fashion tribes exist at some of Britain’s top schools and a boring old blazer simply won’t do. You can never be overdressed or overeducated, suggested Oscar Wilde. But why not at least aim for both by using this guide to school style?

The Boaters

Harrow insists their students wear boaters at all times while outdoors. Flouting this is cause for punishment. Entrepreneurial types make a quick bob by flogging their hats to Chinese tourists, before buying new ones at a cheaper rate from the school shop.

The Witches

Girls at Marlborough and Downe House wear long black skirts in the sixth form. Rumour has it this puritanical garment was introduced to stop male teachers becoming distracted by short hemlines. Pupils secretly love these witchlike skirts; when it’s cold and wet, nobody can tell they are wearing pyjama bottoms and wellies underneath.