VAT on school uniform

[QueenofLouisiana]

I’ve just managed to order DS’s new blazer (I’d assumed his school were doing their usual day when you can buy uniform- no online only now). I’ve realised that his new blazer is subject to VAT, adding about £8 to the cost.
I realise he is tall, but not massively so. He has broad shoulders, but not huge. He is still 13, still required to wear uniform for school. Adults won’t be buying these blazers as their own clothing, clearly get are bought for children. How can HMRC decide that this is ok?
I accept paying VAT for his other clothes, ones that adults would wear; but a school blazer: complete with embroidered badge? That really bugs me.

Apologies for typos. I was obviously too incensed to check properly.

Are buggies etc not vat taxed as well? Vat isn't only for adults. Vat is for everything thar is not considered essential (not that this is actually how it works in practice).

I'm not sure about the laws around this but on the flip side, if your feet are under a size 6 or so you can buy kids shoes without VAT!

It's been that way for years - that's the VAT rules I'm afraid. I believe the threshold used to be based on the average size of a 14 year old, but I think the rules were set down in the 70s / 80s when your average 14 year old was smaller.

VAT is charged on clothes for adults and children over 14.

• designed for children over 14.

YANBU. I think it's a bloody disgrace that you have to pay a penny for school uniform let alone VAT. The Government forces parents to send their kids to school. TheRefore they should foot the bill.
Shops know you have to have it so can charge what they like, really.

I understand the idea (I’ve even googled to see what the rules are- yes, I’m that cross!). I’m just astonished that an item that can only (realistically) be worn by a child at school has VAT applied.