A new law coming into force this school term means parents in England should have to buy fewer branded items of uniform, which the government has said will save them money.
This term uniforms will be limited to three items with a school logo, like a blazer, jumper or sportswear – plus a tie for secondary schools.
The government said some families would save up to £50 per child, but school wear suppliers have argued it could mean parents actually spend more in the long run.
We have spoken to a Fareham mum, a second-hand uniform bank and a Hampshire headteacher about the changes.
Mum-of-three Kay Devonshire-Murphy, from Fareham, said she stockpiled uniforms across the year from charity shops and second hand sales.
She said having to buy three branded items was still too many.
“A PE top cost me £18 the other day and I had to buy three, that’s massively expensive for a PE top,” she said.
“Only three items is fine, but they’re still really expensive in the places they’re being sold.
“This year I had to buy a new blazer for my son, that was £30, a new tie.
“Overall I spent £75 just for the branded stuff per child. That’s a lot of money if you’ve got more than one child.”
