Is this legal?

Emmylou_2

Yes, but it's provided "free" (aka already in the cost of the fees)

http://www.christs-hospital.org.uk/school-info-uniform.php

My school (private, day) had a very strict uniform, from "recommended sellers" (including the school shop) but also had a "used clothing" sale every term. When I went into sixth form (different uniform), I was allowed to sell my uniform and keep the money for myself - but I had to get it ready (washed & ironed and any buttons/hems sorted) myself. We got 50% of the money and the PTA got the rest.

OP - why don't you suggest to the PTA/School Friends/whatever they're called that they have a uniform sale?

Big_Melons

We can't buy badges for my sons schools, have to pay around £40 for a blazer every time, I don't actually mind that, it's the PE kit that ends up costing well over £100 that I have a problem with, one of the schools have taken the PE kit away from our local shop and we now have to buy it from a few towns over, how silly is that?

The_Unready

greenyj wrote: »

Speak to a parent governor from the governing body. They are there to represent you and this is something that needs addressing.

Actually, that's not quite correct.

I'm a parent governor, and the subtle distinction is that parent governors are representative parents rather than representatives of parents.

Although not the area/location of my school, this document gives a good summary of why this is.

The Unready

wantnomoneyworries

Ok but if a parent came to you as a parent governor with this problem would you not help?

winegums

Just a quick update. My DH called into the shop and asked to purchase a badge for our Nephews school. He looked my husband up and down and asked if he would like to look at the blazers he stocks. When my DH declined and asked for just the badge the shop owner hesitated then asked why he wanted just the badge. My DH said that it was none of his business why he wanted to purchase the badge and if he is advertising them for sale and has them in stock then what was the problem.

The shop owner then opened a drawer, took out a large wad of badges for my nephews school, removed one and put it on the counter - all the time he was saying he would prefer it if my DH brought a blazer. My DH decided to push his luck and asked for 2 badges (in case someone else was struggling to get hold of one) but the shop owner refused and maintained that my DH had just bought the last one!

So, my sister did manage to get a badge in the end but it took a 6ft 5in 16st man to persuade the shop owner to sell one to him. Without being sexist, most of the families I know who have school-age children tend to have their uniform purchased by the mother and the customer base for this shop would be mostly female. I wonder how many other women have felt intimidated by this man and been coerced into buying an expensive blazer.

Anyway, good luck to anyone who has the misfortune to have to shop at Singhs Schoolwear, Bridge Street, St Helens.

wantnomoneyworries

At least you got a result!:)