The school tie, along with the school blazer badge is one of the defining items of the modern school uniform. As the style of skirt, trousers, shirt, jumper and blazer differ little from school to school, the school tie is the one item which is unique to a particular school. More often than not, school ties are woven in two or three colours which are distinctly different from neighbouring schools.
Must comprehensive and secondary modern schools opt for a pattern only. Usually a single, double or triple diagonal stripe on a solid background. Most school ties seldom exceed three colours, however grammar schools and especially public schools may also have the school crest incorporated into the design. Some schools have more than one design for their ties; for example, pupils who are selected as a prefect my be given a special tie to show their elevated status. Alternatively, those attending sixth-form may also wear a school tie of a different style too.
Many of Britain's public schools also have what is called an 'old boys tie'. These are worn by former pupils to signify their educational background as well as their current social status. It is not uncommon for politicians or businessmen to wear their Etonian old boys ties to discreetly show off their educational heritage. (more...)

