School Uniforms

[Hymie]

Not having any children, I had no idea this was still going on.

When I went to secondary school, the school (as did all the schools in the town) had an arrangement with a local clothes shop who had the sole rights to sell the school’s uniform (blazers, ties, gym kit etc). Even at the age of 11, I knew that this arrangement involved an illegal kick-back to the school for giving them the exclusive rights (otherwise why not allow any shop to sell the stuff).

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-58359541

[tiggerblue10]

Neither of those Goodgoalie :o)

[bednobs]

a quiz asked you how much the kit was at a particular school goodgoalie ?? :0)

[goodgoalie]

No, it was the answer to Where Was I? in the Sunday Times

[AuntPG]

thing is bednobs, they should not include all the things that would be bought anyway -like socks, vest, pants ,shoes as you would be buying these things regardless of the uniform. Just items that have to be bought with logos on should be in the calculation, and where seperate sew on logos/badges are available then that should be factored in.
Hopefully the Government will have their 'Affordable Uniform' rules passed by next year -but if its anything like 'Affordable Homes' I would not hold my breath.

[AuntPG]

Tiggs you bought your non logo-ed uniform stuff from some of the most expensive places - M&S and Sport direct! Your choice I know, but it can be bought for at least half that price in the supermarkets.

[bednobs]

i just read tcls link ad it is per year, which might account for the high cost(damn children keep growing!

[vulcan42]

A lot seems to depend on the head of school. The grammar school where my sons went to had a policy of children wearing a black blazer if the official striped one wasn't. A few years ago the two schools, boys and girls, were amalgamated with a new headmaster. Everything changed, everybody had to wear the new subtly changed striped blazer starting at £80 for the smallest rising to £100 for the sixth formers; Only one shop supplied this new blazer. Even the teachers were given a dress code.

[tiggerblue10]

Just shirts from M&S. 3 in a pack for £15. Then trainers and football boots from Sports Direct. Little Tigs needs wide-fit and is always complaining about tight footwear so needed a wider variety to choose from. Wish I could just go for supermarket brands but not quite that simple.

[calmck]

My daughter was at a specialist dance/drama school. There was a shop set up by parents for outgrown clothes. Most of the parents used it and prices were good bargains

[AuntPG]

Vulcan £100 for a blazer really is taking the Mick (by the school). Thats more expensive than the blazers at my sons private school! Hopefully the new government rules will address this.

[calmck]

Just found grownoutofit a web site specialising in 2nd hand school clothes. Schools listed alphabetivally

[rowanwitch]

The only effective solution is a national uniform, standardised design stocked by all retailers, just a blazer badge /tie to differentiate between schools. No extra logos. Sports kit could be red polo shirt home\ blue away to allow for inter school matches.

[pixie374]

I haven't yet read all the thread properly. I had 4 in senior state schools, and their sports kit alone, had to be bought from M&S only and embroidered with their names. Over £200 each, and I still passed them on, even with a siblings name on.
Leon, your idea that less material "sexualises" children, is a bit sickening.

[AuntPG]

Pixie -check his status....

As a matter of interest why did you have to buy the sports stuff from M&S ? Once over pupils names were not allowed on a school item as a security measure.

[andres]

Do those on low incomes still get school clothing grants ?

[pixie374]

Whose status? It was just the school rules. Anything else, and they were sent home. The embroidery, I think, was to prevent them being lost, but they were only worn for a few hours in school for sports, so, security wasn't an issue.

[pixie374]

Nice to see you back apg... just realised what you meant x

[Tilly2]

As an aside, I can remember, to this day, the wonderful experience of being taken by my Mum and Grandma to try on and buy all the uniform needed for my upcoming attendance at the High School.
Gymslip, skirt, shirts, cardigans, blazer, beret, tie and a gaberdine.

It was magic and Mum and Grandma were, like me, so proud. Where Mum and Dad found the money, I'll never know. I just know it was all bought and paid for.

[Patsy33]

My Grandson starts secondary school on Thusday, and my son spent between £300-£400 on new uniform and football kit, rugby kit and footwear. I was shocked!

[Mamyalynne]

Good to hear that this issue is going to be addressed, pity it's too late for this school year start.