Despite several withdrawals in recent weeks, the Alpes-Maritimes Department has decided to continue the trial of a uniform policy in five middle schools for the 2025/2026 academic year. The South Region, however, has abandoned it due to a lack of funding.
The experiment on wearing a uniform, launched at the start of the 2024/2025 school year in five middle schools in Alpes-Maritimes, will be extended for the 2025/2026 school year. Charles Ange Ginésy, president of the Department, confirmed this continuation, assuring that the funding for the experiment remains guaranteed by the State.
The initiative involves five institutions: Alphonse Daudet in Nice, Les Mimosas in Mandelieu-la-Napoule, Jean Franco in Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, Jean-Baptiste Rusca in Saint-Dalmas-de-Tende, and L’Eau Vive in Breil-sur-Roya. It aims to reduce social inequalities, combat bullying, and improve the school environment.
The uniforms, comprising nine pieces in blue and white tones, are locally manufactured by the company Fil Rouge, certified “Origine France Garantie”. The kit, valued at 240 euros, is covered by the Department.
According to Éric Ciotti, “School represents the future of the nation, it embodies the France of tomorrow.” According to initial feedback from students, there is noted a strengthened sense of belonging and a reduction in disparities within these institutions, even if some reluctance persists. These are only preliminary findings that require a more detailed study over time.
A difference in approach with the South Region
While the Alpes-Maritimes Department is continuing its experiment, the South Region has ended a similar initiative in high schools due to a lack of funding. The trial, which involved Jean d’Ormesson High School in Châteaurenard and Les Palmiers in Nice, was suspended in December.
The president of the Region, Renaud Muselier, justified this decision by the lack of State support and the cost of generalization. “Without visibility on potential support, it would have been irresponsible to commit 44 million euros, the equivalent cost of a new high school.”
In the Alpes-Maritimes, the experiment continues, with an evaluation planned before a possible extension to other institutions.