to object to this type of invitation?

I think that's very commendable of the school and quite brave! Sometimes parents need to be told how to behave just as much as their offspring pupils. If the kids have to come in smart uniform then it would be disrespectful of a parent to turn up as a scruff.

This is interesting. When I grew up there wasn't much money, but my single parent mother would wash, starch the collars of our school uniforms and iron them (until high school when I did it myself). I only had two uniforms so there was a schedule of quick turnover. My blazer came from the school second-hand shop. I often won prizes at school and at prize-giving events, my mother would dress like any proud parent, in her best clothes.

So perhaps the is that nowadays people need to be reminded how to dress for what is a special occasion.

('re the Wimbledon commentary, that is just awful).

I fail to see any problem, I think smart /casual is perfectly acceptable, I think actually it’s quite nice, the school is making it a special occasion for the students.

No sorry, really can’t see your problem

Personally, I can’t see a problem at all.

In an ideal world everyone would know what was appropriate. Unfortunately it’s not ideal.
The school have tried to make sure that the children realise it’s a special occasion.
I have often been grateful to be given an idea of what I am supposed to wear. I am, however never grateful if the guidance suggests fancy dress.

I would welcome the tip of what to wear. It will be a celebratory evening with the recipients of awards in their uniforms. Some parents could have gone all tarted up looking like refugees from Ascot. Some may have chosen to go in knicks and flip flops, tattoos proudly on display. You can never be sure nowadays. Hearty congrats to DGS Kitty.

Congratulations!! Proud Ps and GPS.
I dont object to a dress guide. I hate turning up looking conspicuous.

Perhaps they are worried the warm weather will bring out shorts and sandals or worse - tattoos.

I think we all know our places in society without being told.

Perfectly in order to have a dress code. whats wrong with standards? It doesn't take money to dress smartly.

Cross posts

It's a very special occasion for the students and probably the school would like the achievement and formality recognised. We do dress appropriately for other occasions and the school feels that parents dressed in slightly more formal clothes than jeans, t-shirts and flip-flops would be right. Seems good to me.

I always make an effort to look reasonably tidy and respectable when attending my grandchildren's school events.

Perhaps it's just to stop parents turning up in shorts and t shirts or vest tops?

I see where you are coming from kitty but there are areas where people need to be guided.
I have been at GD's school and witnessed large ( polite ) men in shorts and t shirts with flip flops, even DH has been heard to mutter " plebs ".

I should .maybe have said that the school draws from a wide and quite diverse area.

I feel the same about the commentary this morning about making Wimbledon available for " disadvantaged young pupils ". Why mention disadvantaged when the young girls themselves would have been aware of what was reported ??
The speaker then went on to say that tennis wasn't only for " white middle-class citizens ".
Was there any need to have said this ? Is it any wonder there are divisions in this country ?

Kitty, I'd be appalled too !

I think a dress code is perfectly reasonable. Lots of events have a dress code - it gives attendees an indication of the tone of the event.