Cheap School Uniform Discussion

Barbarella31

I have been complaining about the cost of uniform as my daughter is starting secondary school next week. Its the first time she has had a uniform. There is only 1 local supplier as everything must have the school logo. That means grey trousers start at £16 plus they are way too big around the waist so I have to pay for alterations. Pink or white shirt £16. The list goes on. I've worked out the full kit with blazer, PE kit etc... will be £300!! Someone told me legally there has to be a choice of two suppliers. Is that true?

BeenieCat

Watchdog was quite interesting tonight on BBC1.

They tested Tesco, Asda, M&S and Sainsbury's cheap uniforms for strength, shrinkage and staining.

Tesco came out on top, with M&S apparently fairing the worst quality wise.

I was quite surprised by this, since Tesco sell a full uniform for £3.75 - cheapest of them all.

I would have thought M&S would be better quality but was pleased to be proved wrong.

jackomdj

My local Asda had 50% off today, so I have got DD her tops for next year! Also Debenhams has their sale on so I got next size up skirts & dresses.

alexandrajj

Can anyone tell me for certain whether school uniform IN PRIMARY school is legally enforcable please? Do you happen to know the legislation which makes it enforcable/non-enforcable?

I am 80% certain it is not legally enforcable but I don't know the law to quote. I think it is only a "dress code" which the school ask parents to follow (& I'm happy to support reasonable requests).

Thanks in advance

bravobeastie

I don't know sorry but do believe it is to create a sense of belonging? I'm sure someone will be along shortly who knows. Can I ask why you're asking?

euronorris

Why wouldn't you to follow it? Or rather, your child follow it?

School uniforms are there so that everyone is equal, ie, it's not as easy to spot kids from a poor family and also so that the child is equally recognisable if he/she wondered off from school, the school trip or worse.

euronorris

I can't see any mention of a law, and it seems that not all UK schools have a uniform (only about 84% apparently).

But.....if it is school policy then I imagine the school could exclude any child who refused to comply.

Bufger

Lets not make assumptions on the ops reasoning. It could be for any number of reasons - we've seen the monopoly scenario before where some primary schools only allow the uniform bought from a certain affiliated shop and Asda similar uniforms arent allowed etc.

we're not here on judgementexpert.com

jamespir

not sure i always thought it was the rules of the school

mrcow

It's enforcable in that a school will have certain rules and if you don't wish to comply with them, then that's up to you. Don't be surprised though if the school then turns around and tell you not to bother coming back.

Why have a problem with a school uniform?