Guangdong parents, students given vote on new school uniforms

A new system is being introduced in Guangdong province that gives parents and students more of a say over the designs of school uniforms.

The move was put forward in a document published Wednesday titled "Suggestions on Further Improvement on the School Uniforms of Primary and High Schools in Guangdong Province", which was jointly drafted by the province's education department, industry and commerce administration and quality and technology administration.

Under the plan, uniform manufacturers will be invited to showcase their wares in schools, but the final decision on which uniform should be adopted will be decided by a poll.

"Students and parents can also offer suggestions on how manufacturers can further improve their designs and the materials used for the uniforms," the document said.

At present, the price, design and materials used in school uniforms are usually decided by local education departments, with schools in the same city or district often adopting the same style.

The new plan allows different schools to adopt different styles of uniform, however.

Chen Ying, a teacher from the Affiliated School of Guangdong Experimental Middle School, said comfort, design and value for money were the concerns most often voiced by students and parents.

"We will introduce this new concept to the school community and organize a visit for parents to some local uniform factories in the coming months," Chen said.