My 11 year old daughter (three level 5's, decent mixed non-selective school) won't tuck in her shirt because it isn't comfortable, and because she wants to fit in with the crowd. She is mildly anti-teacher too (also part of the peer pressure thing) but it is noticeable that when teachers treat the kids in a positive way and conduct interesting lessons, they are respected and even liked. Moral of the story? Concentrate on appointing excellent teachers, don't nag or be authoritarian and the shirts will tuck themselves in on the quiet.

Jane, Lisbon, Portugal

I find it hard to believe that we still worry about whether one piece of (culturally determined) clothing is inside or outside of another piece of (culturally determined) clothing. What are we trying to teach here? What is the essence of the problem? How has our society produced so many children with destructive behaviours and little desire to learn, and why are they allowed to affect the others?

Paul, Nottingham,

Research indicates that the wearing of school uniform DOES NOT lead to an improvement in behaviour or academic achievement (David L. Brunsma, University of Alabama and Kerry A. Rockquemore, Notre Dame, 1998: Effects of Student Uniforms on Attendance, Behavior Problems, Substance Abuse, and Academic Achievement).

Research regarding the effects of positive feedback from teachers (Swinson J and Knight R, 2007: Teacher Verbal Feeback Directed Towards Secondary Pupils with Challenging Behaviour and It's Relationship To Their Behaviour) indicates that the most effective strategy of getting anybody to do as they are told is to be positive. The research also found that pupils behaved better in well run lessons.

So where did David Cameron obtain his evidence? Or is this another have a go at the kids and enforce more rules to cover the fact that there are too many teachers who are not making the grade when it comes to teaching?

Sally, Norwich,

i think that having clear regulations on school uniform does to some extent brign about a better educational system because students also learn along the process, how to respect their teachers. Schools where there is children disobeyign and making fun of teachers and where teachers cannot control lessons tend to ususally contain less structure and strict rules on uniform. Although many schools have and are attempting to have more strict regulations regarding school uniform, others have give up becuase of the lack of order within the school.

When you compare a grammer school such as King Edwards, of whom has strict rules upon uniform and compare this to any other comprehensive scondary school, where there is a lack of uniformatory, you notice the vast difference in attitudes and language as wellbetween the students.

shummi, bham,

Why not do away with uniform and remove the problem completely?

Dunc, Sheffield,

i believe discipline is very important within schools, as kids will always rebel, its called growing up... give them something minor to rebel over such as uniform, and minor discipline issues, and it will g a long way to stopping the greater problems in alot of cases.

however, the problem of under-performing, slovenliness and lack of discipline is much broader than just a school based issue, which this report fails to acknowledge... if little tim or suzie go home to a house where their parents care little for academia or their childrens success or welfare (for selfish reasons or genuine difficulties), then the children are failed.

those children whose parents want their children to do well and have manners, send them to the best schools possible, and will also invest the time and effort into their children from a very early age, no matter what the personal cost.

this problem and answer are much broader than the conservatives have identified; but it is a good start.

Shelly, london, uk

Just to respond to Terry Dell,

Perhaps you would be surprised to find that alot fo the best comprehensive schools also have these rules, it is not just the domain of Grammar schools.

i went to a comprehensive with head boys and girls, strict blazer uniforms and we had to stand when guests entered a room.

Ryan Castle, Birmingham, West Midlands

How about stopping them riding their bikes on the pavement this shows a complete disrespect for the law. Mind you I blame the lazy police who can't be bothered to do anything about it!

D Case, Newquay,

So what is new ?

C. Fowler, Wakefield, West Yorkshire

You're talking grammar schools, right ?

Terry Dell, Weybridge, UK

Bravo finally, someone has realised that creating a disciplined environment involves controlling even the smallest issues.

By holding pupils to account on the smallest matters from an early age insures that the relationship between teacher and pupil, position and discipline are established very clearly. I live in a country where parents are worried that pupils are too conformist and discipline is too strict on pupils.

What does one see when pupils here are going to school. They are all immaculately turned out. And I mean immaculately. Children will always be rebellious, but if it is limited to hair on collars and neckties being pulled up, this is good. The problem today is that teachers are expected to deal with knives and swearing and slovenly appearance is apparently endorsed.

This escalation is proof an overall malaise that can be rectified firstly by making sure that all pupils adhere to a simple and strictly applied rule of clothing.

ThaiTaff, Cardiff,

I don't like Cameron, but i must agree with him here. Both the students and teachers need to take pride in their dress.

Hamad Lone, Thornton Heath, England

The key to the success of private schools is not just money. It is called the Independent sector and it is growing by the day

Sally C, York, Yorks.

A lesson here for our Police forces too. Communities which deal purposefully with minor infractions maintain a level of community pride and involvement which deters serious crime and improves quality of life.

The little things do matter.

Bob, Reading,