SCHOOL UNIFORM
When the Westbourne Gardens School opened in 1877, there was no official requirement to wear a school uniform. The only specification being the compulsory wearing of a straw boater during summer months and a velour hat during the winter.
By 1920, the name had changed to become the Westbourne School for Girls, and a more formal way of dress for the senior girls was introduced which included a navy box pleat tunic with a square neckline and an open collar blouse.
As time progressed a new uniform was introduced, with hats still a requirement which were now to include a navy hat ribbon with two red stripes. This was worn along with a navy box pleat tunic and red belt tied at the waist, a blouse, school tie and red woollen jumper as necessary. A school blazer was also introduced with the Westbourne logo in red. These colours continued to be used until 1953.
After 1953, the red and navy colours were abandoned completely and the colour scheme was changed to navy, lavender and silver. From this point the uniform consisted of a navy blazer, a navy a-line, v-neck, cross front tunic, worn with an elastic belt, a striped sash, navy jumper, (if necessary) with a lilac shirt and striped school tie. There were some differences in the ties and braiding on the school blazer, more noticeably for the senior girls. For example, a prefect, school captain or games captain would wear a purple tie embroidered with the position they held. Braiding on the blazer could differ, and we have an example of purple with white braiding on a navy blazer which was a result of being awarded ‘colours’ in sports. Also, the colour of embroidery was codified – white or pink depending on the award being for athletics or hockey.
In 1972, the uniform changed once more and this time consisted of a lilac skirt, lilac and white gingham blouse with a peter pan collar or a lilac blouse for older students, a purple jumper, purple woven sash and purple blazer. The collar style meant a school tie was no longer required, and this was in part due to suggestions and consultations from the pupils.
At the Academy, there were developments over the years, but not as many changes as was the case for the girls. At first, school uniform was not required, but sometime in the early 20th century, we start to see a uniform being worn. For the younger boys, grey short trousers were worn with a stiff collared shirt, striped navy tie, jumper, navy blazer, cap, trenchcoat, and long socks. The uniform was almost the same for the older boys, but instead of short trousers, long ones were allowed.
The introduction of a school badge and motto saw the design on the blazer front pocket and cap change, but everything else stayed almost the same for most of the century.
But by far the biggest change in the history of the school uniform was the merger between Westbourne and The Glasgow Academy in 1991. A brand-new school uniform and badge incorporating the colours of both schools was designed. Navy from the Academy and purple from Westbourne has been combined to result in the uniform of today.
