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Ridiculous uniform policy for secondary

388 replies

freakinthespreadsheets · 12/07/2024 13:07

I live in a fairly poor working class area, former mining village. I don't even have secondary age kids but this has got me riled up.
The local secondary has been taken over by a MAT and introduced a new uniform. They say that the blazer, PE kit and jumper must be logo'd from the supplier (which i think is pretty standard everywhere) but also that every item MUST be Trutex branded. Shirts, trousers and the skirt (which you can't even find a dupe for if you wanted to as it's a silly tartan design). No supermarket brands allowed. The boys trousers must be sturdy or slim fit, girls can be slim fit only (so "fuck you" to girls with thick thighs then??)
They also insist the trousers must not be skin tight fitting and the skirt must be knee length, or detentions will be issued (but they're only allowing one design/fit, from one supplier, so if it doesn't fit a taller/chunkier teen then what are parents to do?).
Not to mention the fabrics are scratchy and kids with sensitive skin (I was one, and Mum had to order my uniforms online from a place that did skinkind fabrics) who might not get on with the plasticy Teflon fabrics.
I find myself fuming on behalf of these parents and teens - as a curvy, tall female with sensitive skin this would NOT do for me at all! Not even sure what my question is, I guess am I being unreasonable in my thinking that this is OTT and doesn't follow the new government guidance (which I know isn't fully compulsory but still)

Edit to add : in a poor working class area, to set a kid up to attend the local high school looks to be around £350 for uniform - the prices are awful, £35 for a skirt etc

OP posts:
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freakinthespreadsheets · 12/07/2024 13:28

cupcaske123 · 12/07/2024 13:24

Are there any second hand options available OP? Can you look into grants to help with the cost?

There's statutory guidance in cost of uniform:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/cost-of-school-uniforms

Edited

Thanks for thinking of me, but no this isn't for me but for my DNeighbour! And other families in the village.
Unfortunately not many second hand options about as it's the first year of the new policy. I think there might be a few petitions flying about, I'll definitely be signing them as it's not just the cost it's all the other issues. X

OP posts:
cupcaske123 · 12/07/2024 13:27

evilharpy · 12/07/2024 13:26

OP quite clearly says she doesn't have children at the school, she's annoyed at the principle.

Edited

Oh.

evilharpy · 12/07/2024 13:26

cupcaske123 · 12/07/2024 13:24

Are there any second hand options available OP? Can you look into grants to help with the cost?

There's statutory guidance in cost of uniform:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/cost-of-school-uniforms

Edited

OP quite clearly says she doesn't have children at the school, she's annoyed at the principle.

anonhop · 12/07/2024 13:25

Could you size up on trousers & then adjust them / take them to a tailor? I know not ideal.

cupcaske123 · 12/07/2024 13:24

Are there any second hand options available OP? Can you look into grants to help with the cost?

There's statutory guidance in cost of uniform:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/cost-of-school-uniforms

nationalsausagefund · 12/07/2024 13:20

FeistyFrankie · 12/07/2024 13:12

Can’t see the issue. Why do you even care??

If the fabric is itchy wear a slip??

trousers can be ordered in lots of sizes so I’m struggling to see the issue with that either.

I cannot understand why people have such an issue with uniform policies in this country. It’s bizarre.

She’s literally explained the issues, quite clearly. If you’re struggling to understand them that sounds like a you issue.

A slip under an itchy skirt on a humid day sounds horrendous. Aside from the cost of all the branded items, and additional costs such as slips to solve a problem that should never have been introduced in the first place, uniform is meant to be conducive to learning – takes the fashion parade out of it and lets kids focus. How is anyone meant to focus in trousers that don’t fit or sweltering, itchy layers?

DavidRosesEyebrows · 12/07/2024 13:17

FeistyFrankie · 12/07/2024 13:12

Can’t see the issue. Why do you even care??

If the fabric is itchy wear a slip??

trousers can be ordered in lots of sizes so I’m struggling to see the issue with that either.

I cannot understand why people have such an issue with uniform policies in this country. It’s bizarre.

Wear a slip😂 It's not the 1950s

freakinthespreadsheets · 12/07/2024 13:17

thebluebeyond · 12/07/2024 13:14

my issue with this would be - what does it cost? and are people who thought they had the uniform sorted for the next few years suddenly being saddled with extra bills?

I think it is illegal for a school to insist on a single supplier though

It's looking like £350 per kid including everything from the supplier and my neighbour has 11yo twins!
It was announced in time before the end of term etc and will apply from y7 only. You can buy the Trutex from lots of places but it's expensive everywhere and same issues of fit (only allowing one style), itchiness, cost apply

OP posts:
freakinthespreadsheets · 12/07/2024 13:15

FeistyFrankie · 12/07/2024 13:12

Can’t see the issue. Why do you even care??

If the fabric is itchy wear a slip??

trousers can be ordered in lots of sizes so I’m struggling to see the issue with that either.

I cannot understand why people have such an issue with uniform policies in this country. It’s bizarre.

I was chatting with a neighbour who has kids that age and my kids will go to that school in future.
Why should kids have to swelter wearing base layers under their uniform in the summer just to avoid an itchy fabric?
It's also unaffordable, and the trousers DONT come in a range of fits to suit different body shapes, that's the issue. They don't even have belt loops so you can size up for the hips/thighs and wear a belt.

OP posts:
thebluebeyond · 12/07/2024 13:14

my issue with this would be - what does it cost? and are people who thought they had the uniform sorted for the next few years suddenly being saddled with extra bills?

I think it is illegal for a school to insist on a single supplier though

FeistyFrankie · 12/07/2024 13:12

Can’t see the issue. Why do you even care??

If the fabric is itchy wear a slip??

trousers can be ordered in lots of sizes so I’m struggling to see the issue with that either.

I cannot understand why people have such an issue with uniform policies in this country. It’s bizarre.

serialcatbuyer · 12/07/2024 13:11

The fabrics from that brand are horrible, but it's probably to stop the girls wearing short skirts. I do think they need some boundaries there at that age. They don't seem to know how inappropriate they tend to look

Comefromaway · 12/07/2024 13:10

Absolutely ridiculous. I would put in a formal complaint.