Papanui High School Reintroduces Uniform for Seniors
Papanui High School in Christchurch will reintroduce compulsory uniforms for Year 13 students next year, ending decades of allowing final-year pupils to wear their clothes.
The decision comes despite strong opposition from the majority of students and community members surveyed, many of whom saw free dress in the final year as a reward for staying in school and a step toward preparing for the workplace.
Principal Robert Gilbert said the move is primarily about health and safety, explaining that without uniforms, it had become difficult to distinguish Year 13 students from visitors, other youths, or people who should not be on site.
“We can’t differentiate between a Year 13 student, maybe a trainee teacher, a Year 12 student out of uniform, a visitor, or some thug down the road coming in to sell drugs,” he said.
Gilbert added that clear identification also helps prevent students from being wrongly blamed for incidents off school grounds, particularly at the nearby shopping mall.
This decision reflects the child’s right to learn in a safe environment. Schools have a duty to take reasonable steps to protect students from potential harm, including controlling access to school grounds.
While students may not agree with the change, ensuring their security and well-being remains a core responsibility of education providers.
