to object to this type of invitation?

It's a school for goodness sake not the Queen's garden party.

Very well done to your grandson kittylester You must be proud of him.

I really don't see a problem with the school giving guidance as to dress code. As others have said they want to make it a special occasion. Not everyone is aware of the social niceties.

I think that the people who understand the importance of this event won’t need to be reminded what to wear and those who have a more casual approach won’t pay the slightest bit of attention and will wear what the like, dress code or no. Is the school going to turn people away if they turn up in casual clothes? Smart casual is quite vague anyway and open to interpretation...

Lots of people find "dress codes" helpful. Many will have never been to a graduation or other similar event - do you wear jeans and t-shirt, or a posh frock and a hat? Do men wear formal suits or is it OK to turn up in their work dungarees?

It's always helpful for all participants to have a hint.

Maybe they've had experience with people turning up in scruffy attire. I wouldn't be upset with being asked to wear smart/casual at all. It's just a couple of words and could be helpful to some.

I personally think it well in order especially as I ve seen parents turn up in all sorts to ‘dos’
It may seem patronising to you kitty because you know how to dress and what is expected of you but not all parents do and they may have had them turning up in all sorts so a little mention hurts no one but is a guidance to those who aren’t so on the ball
Enjoy it

Calendargirl, me, a huge embarrassment? Hardly. Funnily, once you're respected in your field (education) the rules no longer apply!

It’s an interesting one kitty. I’ve not heard of it before, certainly depending on the timing it could be awkward for anyone needing to go straight from work whether work requires a suit or very casual clothing. One of our sons works shifts over a 7 day period and so could well need to attend a school event without the opportunity to return home and change. Has anyone asked the school for their reasoning? Maybe an attempt to make it ‘special’ for the children celebrating their achievements? Smart casual can mean many things and I suspect will trigger a wide range of clothing and no, I doubt any parent will be refused entry. Many congratulations to your grandson, you must all be very proud of him.

I don’t exactly share your horror kittylester although I know that I would always dress smartly for an awards ceremony of any sort. Certainly secondary school but even for Primary you would hope people did not appear in distressed jeans/skimpy shorts or vest t shirts. The trouble is that so many people feel what is virtually beachwear is appropriate for other things (e.g. bare chested supermarket shopping!)
I remember one parents’ evening at my last school when it was admittedly a sultry night and I had a dad in front of me in a vest t shirt and shorts that were scarcely more than speedos. He didn’t exactly have a “beach bod” either!
Our parents’ or grandparents’ generation might have erred on the side of too formal but I think there are too many who go too far the other way. Actually I think we need more dress codes!

This isnt a 'social' invitation though! It's a school dictating to parents. I wonder if they would refuse entry to parents 'inappropriately' dressed.

It’s only saying smart casual, not ball gowns! It just means a minimum of washed and ironed, cover up and ideally not denim, or at least smart denim...I would have thought that achievable for most parents.

Scruffy clothes cost money, too.

Kittylester. I roam charity shops every week and there are always smart clothes for sale for a few pounds.

As other posters have commented, years ago most parents automatically wore their ‘Sunday best’ to attend parents evening/open day etc but these days some people think it is acceptable to drop their children off at school in pyjamas. Who wants to see that?

I don’t think it’s patronising Kitty, I think they’re just trying to make it a special evening for your grandson, and all the other prize winners

Kitty, that's my argument too. Some families have nothing and I feel for the children of these families. It upsets me. I see families who try their best and I could cry-----unless it's just me ?!

Hetty58
Think you would be a huge embarrassment to your children or grandchildren then.

Congratulations to your dgs ?
I don't find a dress code patronising at all; I find it helpful. I'm going to a celebration at the weekend which is 'casual' . Useful to know, as I would normally have turned out in more formal attire for the occasion. Now I know, I can dig out the flip flops, strappy top and baggy shorts

I just think years ago even hard-up families would have realised not to go in ‘working’ clothes. Nowadays people wear anything and everything to events, funerals, whatever. Particularly this time of year some might have gone dressed for a day at the beach,

Being told what to wear would bring out the devil in me. I'd have to deliberately turn it into a joke so I'd probably turn up in a lacy dress, huge hat and wellies (but then I'm super confident and a known eccentric).

I doubt 'everyone has money for a smart pair of pants and shirts' lumarei.

kitty, maybe it is patronising but it may well be based on the school's previous experience of parents turning up in their going out pyjamas, or skimpy shorts and those wife beater t shirts.

This letter by the school indicates that they have had negative experience in the past for them to have to mention to dress well.

Advise of dress code nowadays is essential as many people don’t know how to dress for different events. T-shirt and cargo pants with sandals seems to be very acceptable for many wherever they go. Everyone has enough money for a smart pair of pants and shirts.
Could have understood this post if school had requested black tie.

Wouldn't parents know that? Presumably they know how special it is and will do their best for their child.

I found it patronising!