Schools are demanding pupils wear too many branded uniform items, driving up costs for families and flying in the face of statutory guidance.

A study involving 2,000 parents and carers found that on average primary school uniforms are costing families £287 per-pupil, per-year. The high costs are blamed on uniform policies, which the survey found are demanding an average of three branded items, with 29% of the respondents saying they are expected to buy four or five branded items.

Statutory guidance introduced in September 2022 ordered schools to keep branded uniform items “to a minimum”, limiting their use to “low-cost or long-lasting items” (DfE, 2021). Second-hand uniform items must also be made available and high street items must be allowed, while schools should avoid single supplier contracts.

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