Parents forced to shell out on uniforms

Released 18/08/2010

Academy changes could result in parents buying whole new uniforms, warns pressure group

Parents should not be forced to shell out huge sums on new school uniforms, warns the Local Government Association (LGA).

The group is concerned that the changes to schools brought about by the move to academy status could mean parents have to purchase whole new uniforms for their children, with changing logos and designs.

The LGA, which represents more than 350 councils in England, is encouraging schools to show restraint when deciding to change their uniform, by changing just one or two items or by introducing replacement sew on logos.

The average cost of a school uniform is more than £200 for secondary school and £160 for primary, not including kit needed for sports and PE.

The LGA encourages schools to follow three principles to keep the cost of uniform down:

uniform items should all be available from a minimum of two different suppliers, not counting the school itself
school symbols and logos should be available as sew-on patches
parents should be given opportunities to buy and sell second hand uniform from other parents.

Parents who feel they are being expected to provide too much expensive uniform can make their opinions heard via school governing boards.

Baroness Margaret Eaton, chairman of the LGA, said: "The changing education landscape means dozens of schools are changing their names or identities. It is understandable that many will want to mark this, but they need to remember that parents cannot simply sign a blank cheque for new school clothing.

"Parents of children starting primary or secondary school this September will be going through the expense of investing in entirely new uniforms. The last thing families want to hear is that the uniform will be completely different twelve months later.

"Schools changing their name or status for whatever reason owe it to parents to minimise any extra costs. That can be achieved by staying close to an existing colour scheme, changing one item only such as a tie, or allowing parents to sew new badges and logos onto clothes.

"Some councils offer grants to families struggling to pay for uniform, but schools have the power to reduce this burden for both parents and taxpayers. Offering uniforms from a number of retailers and making it easier to attach logos to widely available clothing lets schools keep their individuality while bringing in the necessary competition to keep costs down.

"Parents should be aware they have the power to influence schools over their uniform. Mums and dads everywhere should feel able to ask questions of their school governors and speak up if they think uniform is too expensive or too hard to get hold of."

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