New Forest Uniform Campaign urges schools to make clothing more affordable

A CAMPAIGN group is calling on New Forest schools to make uniform more affordable as it says many struggling parents are falling into debt to clothe their children.

A survey of 228 parents carried out by the New Forest Uniform Campaign showed 68% of parents have cut back on food, bills and family days out just to be able to afford the “demanding” clothing requests from schools, it says.

The group says it wants to make school uniform more affordable by reducing the amount of branded or bespoke items and increasing the range of items that can be bought from low-cost retailers.

Tom Wardle, who helped to set up the group, said: “We really want to work with schools and show them that reducing the amount of branded and logoed items is such a simple change but one that could easily put hundreds of pounds back in the pockets of families struggling with the cost of living.”

He explained some schools have “particularly demanding” uniform requirements, such as £45 skirts, mandatory PE socks with the school’s name, bespoke trousers that can only be purchased from a particular shop, and frequently-changing school badges that render old uniform defunct.

The survey found over half of surveyed parents had gotten into debt in order to buy clothing, while some had been forced to use a local food bank to make ends meet after purchasing expensive uniform.

As reported in the A&T, parents of pupils at Priestlands School in Lymington previously blasted a decision to introduce a new tartan skirt, costing up to £45, as “outrageous”.

The previous plain, pleated skirt cost between £21.99 and £26.99, was called “tone deaf”, with one parent adding it was “disgusting when families are struggling to put food on the table”.

A New Milton mother, whose children go to Arnewood and Eaglewood schools, told the A&T her children had been punished for not having the correct uniform with logos on.

The mum, who did not want to be named, said she felt “embarrassed” and “guilty” by the situation.

“My daughter’s [logo] polos cost £12.99 each, so she has only got one. But she’s messy, so I have to wash and dry it everyday.

“If she could wear a plain polo, I could get three for £6 in a supermarket.”

She said at Arnewood, children are sent to “reset” if they do not have the correct uniform on, with pupils told to look through a spares cupboard to instead find something appropriate to put on.
“There is an easy solution to this, if they would just sell the school logo to iron or sew on [plain clothes].”

Parent James Swyer from Ringwood told the A&T he was “bracing” himself for when his child moves on to secondary school next year due to the high cost of uniform, having experienced it previously with his older children.

He said: “Almost all items are exclusively available from one retailer – the blazer, trousers, skirts, tie, PE kit – which is in Southbourne, a 25-minute drive from here. Neither my wife or I drive and it might be the same for plenty of others.

“If a child rips their blazer, you need to pay £40 for a new one and take a 20-mile round trip. It is not only the cost, but the accessibility as well.”

He said he has estimated it will cost “well over” £200 for his daughter’s clothing next year, with a tartan skirt priced at £37 alone.

“It’s an unnecessary barrier. The essence of school uniform is to be a leveller – but at what cost?” he said.

The yearly cost of school uniform and shoes is at least £336 for a primary school child, the Child Poverty Action Group revealed last year, rising to £462 for a secondary age child.

Peter Main, headteacher at Priestlands School, told the A&T it was “actively working” to address the issue and support families.

He said: “Our uniform symbolises pride in our school and fosters a sense of belonging, setting a positive tone for education. We recognise that the expense of branded clothing can be a burden, and we are committed to making uniforms as affordable as possible while ensuring they present a positive image of our school to both our local and wider community.

“We encourage the use of generic or non-branded uniform items where possible, which can significantly lower costs without compromising on quality or the appearance and identity of our school.

Additionally, we are aware of the financial pressures on families and have introduced a second-hand uniform exchange in partnership with the local library. This initiative provides a cost-effective alternative. We have also removed specific colour requirements and references to year groups on prefect shirts to support the reuse of items.”

He added: “We are committed to collaborating with parents and guardians to find solutions that make school uniforms more affordable while maintaining the standards that contribute to a positive school environment.

“To support families in need, we offer financial assistance for those who are unable to afford the school uniform. We will continue to seek ways to balance cost with quality to support all of our students and their families.”