School uniform costs: un-necessary items

[LLWK]

I was reading the recent news of Mike Amesbury's private members bill, that seeks to reduce the cost of school uniforms. It looks mainly at the "single supplier" issue that drives costs up, sometimes to a ridiculous level. www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-56376138

I also got to looking at uniforms for some local secondary schools (although my children are still at primary). What struck me was that costs could be reduced by not only increasing suppliers, but by cutting out items that aren't strictly necessary. One local comprehensive requires a branded PE kit (fair enough); but also a dance kit of a different polo shirt, with school and departmental logo; and them for that polo shirt to be worn for drama lessons, with regular uniform trousers or skirts, and the pupils in bare feet. Can dance not just be done in PE kit, and does drama really require a different top and no shoes, socks or tights? Or am I stuck in the past?!

Our school is way ahead of the curve. We have had an iron-on badge to go on sweatshirts etc for a couple of years, but you can buy logoed clothing if you are lazy or feeling flush.

donewithitalltodayandxmas I'm not telling you how to bring up your kids. I'm just saying that if you do X, the consequences may well be Y and that's on you and the choices you make. You're still free to make those choices. You're free to complain about the consequences too, just don't expect a lot of sympathy.

£200 a year for uniform isn't too bad if you've got fast growing kids, but in DD1's first year at (non uniform) 6th form, I spent considerably less than that because she already had a wardrobe (bought out of her allowance for non-school clothing) so all I supplemented was some pants and socks. Same with DD2. It does help that once they stop growing, they don't constantly need new stuff.

@JanetWeb2812

Our school is way ahead of the curve. We have had an iron-on badge to go on sweatshirts etc for a couple of years, but you can buy logoed clothing if you are lazy or feeling flush.

That sounds brilliant. And I bet you don't have logo PE kit..?

@pointythings I'm not asking for sympathy I am happy with my ds uniform £200 for year inc his shoes is affordable for me . I only spend a small amount on his non school clothes as he happily asks for these for birthdays and xmas and has a part time job so also buys himself things , plus he looks after his things as he appreciates the cost.
Like I said I think his school is very reasonable with uniform the most expensive part is £22 jumpers but they really last , infact I have been able to pass them on and they keep shape and colour well , I think thats important.