The pupils are frequently asked about the uniform and they say that it’s a striking statement that signifies we are an ancient foundation, but more importantly, a community. It’s that sense of community that makes pupils feel at home and secure in a boarding environment.

When Christ’s Hospital was founded in 1552, the City of London gathered up ‘fatherless children and other poor children’ to educate and care for them. They were usually filthy and ragged. The citizens of London generously provided smart new clothes for the children. The early uniform was in Tudor style, very colourful. Blue and yellow could have been chosen to distinguish the children within the care of Christ’s Hospital from those attending other charity schools. The linings of the coats were dyed yellow and their ‘stockings’ were always knee length and also dyed yellow, as it was thought to deter vermin!

A new pupil dressed for the first time in their ‘Housey’ uniform becomes a member of a world-wide community and an heir to four-and-half centuries of tradition. The Christ’s Hospital uniform is a symbol of continuity and equality. However deprived a background or disadvantaged a family, wearing the uniform unites the pupils. Provided free to all our pupils, its continuance has been put to the vote which only underlined how proud they are to wear it as a distinctive feature and tradition of Christ’s Hospital

John Franklin is the Head Master of Christ’s Hospital School, Horsham, a co-educational boarding school for pupils aged 11 to 18.

That’s where the uniforms come from…