New research will show that parents are charged double the price for branded school uniforms than if they were to buy the products at supermarkets and high street shops. Though the guidelines have been set in place to minimize these costs, parents who are required to buy uniforms with official school signs are still charged much more for blazers, jumpers, ties, and sports kits compared to the normal unadorned texts, emblems, or other designs.
Table of Contents
Campaigns that are Taken by the Government to lessen School Uniform Expensiveness
In 2021, the UK government provided schools with statutory guidelines stating that schools should avoid sponsor logos and ensure that uniforms are bought at reasonable prices from the suppliers. To some extent, this is true, but still, many schools insist on using several items of a single brand, and that results in extra costs for families. Labour’s School also policy promises that it will reduce the number of garments on branded uniforms and PE kits that a school can ask for because this would empower many parents financially.
The Analysis of Branded and Unbranded School Uniform Costs
An average simple polo t-shirt with a school logo for children in the age range of 9-11 years will cost around 11 GBP. As for non-branded polo tops, such options can be bought at M&S where it is possible to buy two pieces for £9, and at Asda where two pieces can be bought for a mere £5. Likewise, a small secondary school blazer of branded material costs £ 35 whereas the same sized unbranded one costs £ 26 at M&S and £ 16 at Asda.
The study aims to evaluate the effects of the high cost of school uniforms in Kenyan junior high schools on families.
A survey made by the Children’s Society said that parents spent £422 on secondary school uniforms and £287 on primary ones. Even today, as the schoolwear industry tries to argue that these costs are not as high, the families have to bear the brunt. In his capacity as Chief Executive of the Children’s Society, Mark Russell has also equally called upon schools to tone down on how many branded items they expect the students to bring in as they put lots of financial pressure on parents. According to Russell, school uniforms have many advantages, however, they have to be cheap The principals composed of schools, parents, and governors should develop policies that will make school uniforms cheap.
Several people have insisted on more regulations about apparel that bears the names of specific schools.
Labour MP Mike Amesbury, who sponsored private member’s bill of school uniform costs earlier this year, is calling for an overall limit on the number of PTA-sponsored branded items schools are permitted to compel students to wear. It is anticipated that in the Labour manifesto, only a maximum of three items bearing the brand’s logo shall be allowed on both, uniform and sportswear. Amesbury said that although some schools have attained affordability, others have not complied with the statutory requirements.
The Schoolwear Industry's Response
The opponents of banning logoed clothing include the Schoolwear Association in which firms involved in the supply of uniforms insist that the branded uniforms ought to cost more to reflect their quality and the fact that they are designed to withstand wear and tear. According to Matthew Easter the chairperson of the association, there have been improvements to the costs of school uniforms since the 2021 guidelines, and any increased restrictions will lead to parents buying cheap inferior unmarked garments that wear out quickly and have to be replaced.
Some of the Pros and Cons that have been prepared for the debate Over the Value of School Uniforms
In a recent poll organized by the Schoolwear Association with the help of the Teacher Tapp app over 80% of the respondents are confident that school uniforms are necessary for students. This says it does so in a bid to support unity, and equality, instilling discipline and professionalism among the students.
School uniform policies: Past, present and future
To minimize the expenses of parents, the UK government is planning to legislate through the Children’s Wellbeing Bill setting limits to the number of branded uniforms PE kits, and other apparel that schools can mandate students to purchase. A Department for Education spokesperson said, “No child should be excluded from looking smart in school or engaging in sport because of the cost. ”
Conclusion
While people have a school uniform cost issue, parents, schools, and policymakers need to come up with a solution that can serve theinterestst of parents and schools adequately. Even when branded uniforms have some significance, Getz has it correct that care must be taken not to place an unnecessary burden on families as this would not help in the cause of delivering equal education.
