OPINIONS quickly polarise on school uniform.

A seemingly harmless topic has people protesting along such grand themes as the suppression of liberties and the stifling of individualism among youngsters.

Sample a few random opinions and it is clear that, for many, school uniforms are a powerful symbol, either for good or bad.

Education’s decision that all secondary schools are to adopt a more formal uniform is no rush-of-blood proposition. One department member even went as far as to debate the subject with students at St Sampson’s High to get a feel for their views.

It must have been an interesting discussion because, somewhat surprisingly, the pupils voted in favour of blazer and tie. That will not have gone down well over every dinner table.

Parents of teenage children, particularly girls, are all too aware of the significance of clothing. Fashion labels are all-important and it is nigh on impossible to insist that a practical pair of shoes or shorts is a better option than the flimsy but stylish alternative.

And mufti days (an almost weekly occurrence) show just how difficult life might be were uniforms abandoned altogether. At a stroke getting dressed for school becomes a challenge worthy of the talents of Gok Wan, Trinny and Susannah combined.

So, if it is accepted that some form of uniform enables children to focus on their studies instead of their Hollister tops and Superdry T-shirts, is it necessary to go one step further and insist on blazers and ties?

Education’s aim here is pretty clear: to blur any divide between the three colleges and the Grammar School and the remaining secondaries. Jackets and ties are traditionally the dress of the professional and the department want high school students to have exactly the same aspirations as the private sector and Grammar.

The subtext to that is the forthcoming debate about college subsidies. Those in favour of change argue that there is no need for States cash to go to the colleges as the same standard of education is available free in the high schools.

It is strange how powerful a symbol the humble tie can become.