Why Do Schools Ask For a Photograph?

Question

I'm American, but I've been applying to a few British schools. I noticed that more than one asked for a photograph to be attacted to the application. A few decades back, American schools often did this, but it was for prejudicial reasons. What do British schools hope to gain by seeing my photo? Does the fact that these are Beauty Therapy programs make a difference? Do British Colleges and Universities ask for a picture of the applicant?

Answer 1

When my children started secondary school, I had to provide two photos of them (but that was after they'd been accepted).

I can't really answer your questions, but can just give the following incidentals: I work part-time in a school, with exams. There may be 150 kids per yeargroup, and I may work with two yeargroups per week. There is a set of laminated sheets with names & photos in the exam room to assist me & my colleagues.

I've had to send a photo with a job application. They told me that they have 200 staff, so it helps the human resources section put the face to the name.

There hasn't been racial discrimination in school these days, until very recently. It was reported this week that a boy was denied a place at the school his brother attends because he is white, and the school wanted to 'up their quota' of black pupils. That's very unusual though, and sounds illegal to me. Ironically, though, discrimination is practised against Christians in 'faith' schools.

Answer 2

I never ever heard there did that ,thats not right , I think its security now , because times have changed and I agree totally what do they gain from a picture, however if its a really good shcool then I think they would ask for a photo to see if its a nice kid cause some schools are for bad kids but I know colleges dont ask for photo graph as I have been for some years and there never asked me , try colleges anyway thats where life starts any way

Answer 3

They will use the photo to check your identity when you go for interview, and if you are accepted it will then be used to produce your ID/student card.

It can also be a preliminary check to make sure you're not lying about your age on the application form!

Most UK universities I know of ask for them from all their applicants.

Answer 4

It sounds like a basic security issue to me, and given that you may wish to visit the school for a tour or induction coming into contact with other students and possibly members of the public having various beauty treatments performed, may well require that you cant make do with a simple "visitor" type ID.
for myself, i would view such establishments as a better option. it provides for your safety and security, too.

Answer 5

hmmm im british but i never had to give a photo. colleges do mind, for your id card to prove you are at college so you can get student discount, thats the only reason i can think of. its not a big deal, not being predudice or anything, its just for proof thats all, like a driving licence.

Answer 6

that is unusual, yet at college situations a lot of your consumer-friendly "rights" are void. i could communicate alongside with your photos instructor first. incredibly, you may take this as a significant compliment and a minimum of get a image credit. in order that which you recognize Photoguy, the colleges can now not use pictures of scholars in Newsletters or on line without written consent of a confirm.

Answer 7

I was a substitute once at a school where one student in the hallway was being abusive to another student. He wouldn't acknowledge me when I called him, and he turned and walked away. At the office, there were copies of all the student body cards, and I was able to identify him by his picture so that the proper person was punished.

Answer 8

All you can do is ask them. But just a thought maybe its their way of asking for a picture ID? Like when you use a credit card they want to make sure your who you say you are.

Answer 9

cos your twin might pass your exams for you.