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Education Producer Kate McGough has disclosed that proposed changes in school uniform policy will impact over four million pupils throughout England. The Department for Education (DfE) has estimated that seven in 10 secondary schools and 35% of primary schools will be required to reduce the number of compulsory branded items to just three, along with a branded tie for secondary students. This adjustment is part of the pending Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which must undergo multiple parliamentary stages before being enacted into law.
According to the latest DfE data, the average cost of a complete school uniform and PE kit for a secondary school student is approximately £442, while it amounts to £343 for a primary school pupil. The government emphasizes that current regulations already consider the cost of uniforms to ensure it does not impede parents when selecting schools. However, the government seeks to go a step further by limiting the number of school-specific items that need to be purchased from approved suppliers.
Despite government claims that families may save around £50 per child as a result of the new school uniform measures, uniform retailers caution that the proposed changes could lead to increased expenses. The Schoolwear Association argues that these plans might compel parents to spend more on replacing lower-quality generic items that have a shorter lifespan compared to branded products. Additionally, branded uniforms are seen as playing a role in leveling the playing field among students and fostering better conduct in schools.
In centers such as Darlington town, some parents rely on uniform exchanges to afford the extensive list of required items for their children’s schools. At Darlington Borough Council’s exchange, which operates from a multi-story car park, donated uniforms from over 25 local schools are freely available to parents. Volunteer Kay, who manages the exchange, expresses concern that certain school uniform policies may remain stringent even after the government’s proposed restrictions on logos are implemented. She notes that some schools have very specific requirements that can create financial hardships for parents.
The Halifax Academy, headed by Matt Perry in West Yorkshire, aims to enforce uniform rules while ensuring affordability for parents. The school provides free ties to its students, with only parts of the PE kit and the school blazer bearing compulsory branding. However, Mr. Perry acknowledges that further reductions may be necessary if limits on branded items are introduced. The school’s commitment to supporting families is demonstrated through initiatives such as a uniform bank and a laundrette for washing students’ uniforms
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