France's school uniform experiment unravels with only mixed results

A pupil poses in uniform in the courtyard of the Chateau de la Chevaliere primary school in Beziers on 26 February 2024, as schools across France began trying out uniforms for their students. © AFP Pascal Guyot

Two years after France began trialling uniforms in schools, the experiment is sputtering to a close after failing to convince pupils or teachers.

Research found strong opposition among students, while evidence of better academic results, less bullying or fewer social divisions remained limited.