School uniforms – important and expensive. CAEE Blog.
School uniforms. As the summer holidays begin, many parents begin to worry about an important cost approaching with the start of the new school year.
Anna Tickle is Household Support Fund Administrator and Research and Campaigns Volunteer at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. CAEE Blog (2 mins)
Summer holidays can be financially challenging for parents and carers facing high additional costs. A recent study found families across Britain paying for holiday clubs costing more than £1000 for six weeks care for one child.
But planning for back-to-school in September is also daunting.
Uniforms can be expensive. This is especially true for schools that require uniforms with school branding and from a specific provider. This includes blazers, ties, jumpers, skirts and PE kit. Costs add up quickly.
Epsom and Ewell
Our early research on secondary schools in Epsom and Ewell shows schools on average require:
- at least 2 pieces of branded uniform;
- at least 2 pieces of branded PE kit, including different kits for summer and winter; and
- specific school shoes.
On top of this, schools encourage use of branded items described as optional but without providing an alternative. This can be extremely difficult for a parent or carer: for example, is a plain jumper permitted or not? One local school requires or encourages up to 8 pieces of branded uniform.
Expecting parents to spend over £100 for each child adds another financial burden to families already struggling with the cost of living.
School uniforms are important for many reasons but should not increase financial inequalities or disadvantage less well-off students. We know schools appreciate their policies can cause financial and other family problems that might seem out of proportion. The problems are still happening however.
The Children’s Society says: ‘Pricey uniforms put pressure on stretched family budgets. Research from The Children’s Society shows how the high price of uniforms can push families into difficulty’.
We urge schools to be open and clear about their requirements and the support they have available to prevent the potential harm.
Here at CAEE, we have already seen parents and carers this summer who are concerned about uniform costs. They have no idea where they will find the money for September. We believe they should not face this pressure every time their children grow or start a new school.
Your experience
We want to hear your experience. Have you or a family you know struggled with the cost of uniform? How has the experience affected you and your family? How did you to cover the costs? Contact us at: researchandcampaigns@caee.org.uk
Help with paying for school uniforms