South Yorkshire Times,  March 3rd, 1951

No Distinctive Clothing

Thurnscoe ask for Tunics

Coun. J. W. Bedford declined at Dearne Combined Governors’ meeting on Friday to support a request from Thurnscoe Hill Modern School for distinctive clothing for the Pupils.

It had been proposed that the girls be provided with tunics and blouses and the boys with caps. It was also reported that grants would be made to necessitous cases.

Coun Bedford declared that he would not raise his hand to support a resolution that would mean parents sacrificing themselves for their children.

“Even if grants were made it would mean parents taking money out of their pockets to ensure the children were dressed properly.”

Miss I. B. Grace (Headmistress) who made the request said that in her opinion it was not entirely a matter of expense but a recognition of the fact that the children were members of the school. “It is extremely hard work.” she continued. “as anyone who lives in Thurnscoe knows, to make the children take pride in their dress.”

Coun. Bedford asked how many children registered at the school would be entitled to the grant. “I think there would be very few who would be entitled to it.” he went on “and with the cost of things at the moment, people just can’t afford it.”

After Coun. Williams had said that attempts were being made to, raise the status of modern schools to that of Grammar schools. Miss Grace said provision of uniforms would make the children feel they were on the same level as grammar schools and go a long way towards raising ,the status of modern schools.

“We must stress the immense importance of teaching self respect especially among the girls”  she said

“Thurnscoe has some magnificent children” she said. “but unfortunately I fear the parents care much less about their dress than the teachers. We can’t talk about comparing them with grammar schools until they are dressed like grammar school pupils. I don’t want to have them looked down upon just because they are modern school pupils.”

Coun. Bedford proposed that the request be not granted in view of the expense parents would entail, and this course was accepted.