THE headteacher of a once-failing school has backed a Government move to encourage all schools to have a uniform.

Phil Mather, headteacher of Withins School in Breightmet, says his insistence that every pupil wears the correct uniform and takes pride in their appearance has raised standards both in and out of the classroom.

And he is backing new Government guidelines on school policies for uniforms.

Education minister Jim Knight said all schools should be encouraged to adopt a uniform policy because they can "help to develop the right mindset among pupils, instilling pride and supporting positive behaviour and discipline".

Mr Mather said asking every child to wear a blazer was one of the first rules he implemented when he started at the school.

He said: "Parents of all pupils were very supportive, even those of final year students.

"Before this, there were uniform issues when pupils were not wearing the right clothes.

"A school uniform gives a sense of purpose, identity and authority. Behaviour does improve."

Mr Mather said the improvement in attitude had knock-on effects on learning.

Two years ago, Withins School was placed in special measures after government inspectors deemed it to be failing.

At the time, Mr Mather became the sixth headteacher at the school in almost as many months.

The school, in Newby Road, Breightmet, was taken out of special measures after 18 months.

It is now one of the most-improved state secondary schools in the country, and GCSE success rates have soared during recent years.

The number of pupils achieving five A*-to-C grades has gone up from 18 per cent in 2002 to 58 per cent in last summer's exams, putting it in the top 10 of local schools.

Mr Mather said: "Well-presented pupils have a feeling of pride and self-worth which raises self-esteem and gives them a sense of purpose.

"Allowing pupils to wear their own clothes such as sweatshirts can sometimes create a street culture in schools."

The Government has said that school uniforms should be made affordable to all and should be sold in High Street shops and other retail outlets as opposed through one supplier.

Mr Mather said: "Wearing a school uniform is a simple but effective measure in promoting learning.

"Parents have not found cost a problem, there are a number of places where parents of children here can buy a school uniform.

"This school is often complimented about how smart the pupils look when they are out and about."