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Original poster

Private school uniforms - how much do you need?!

82 replies

Mendi · 04/04/2013 10:15

So, DD is moving from state primary to a private school in Sept and we have just received the uniform list. It just lists what is required, not how much of each thing, and I am wondering how many of things like blazer, sports kit you get? Blazer in particular is really expensive, but I guess they wear it every day so you need two, in case one gets dirty?

It's probably obvious how clueless I am. Please help.

OP posts:
meditrina · 04/04/2013 10:18

One blazer - ideally from second hand sale.

Other stuff - similar amounts to what you already have (as that will match the DC's natural messiness level).

SoupDragon · 04/04/2013 10:22

One blazer is fine. One sports kit is fine (but more than one pair of socks as they go missing in the house!).

Buy the same you would have bought before - DSs have enough shirts for one a day plus a spare (they were a pack of 3!), 4 trousers (don't need washing every day) two ties (they get mislaid in the house easily).

The fact that it's a private school is irrelevant really - just go with what you would have bought normally.

Original poster
Mendi · 04/04/2013 10:27

Thanks. I was thinking 2 x skirt and 5 x shirts as that's what she has now - I guess one of most sports things will do then.

Should I expect the second hand sale to be a total scrum? I remember my mum almost getting into a fight with another mum at my school's second hand sale, over the last coat in my size!

OP posts:
chrisrobin · 04/04/2013 10:31

My DSs (aged 5 and 7) have 1 blazer (although it's worn every day it is only worn during 'clean' times so doesn't get too dirty), 1 school coat, 2 jumpers (wash and wear), 2 pairs of sports trousers, 1 sports sweatshirt, 3 sports T-shirts, 1 swim kit. They have PE or sport every day and also often wear sports kit when they go on trips so I find these get more use than I originally thought they would.

The uniform is very expensive when bought new but there is a second-hand shop which sells things for 1/2 the 'new' price, also parents pass down their uniform to others. Our 2nd hand uniform shop has plenty of stock so no fights but the have had the same uniform for ages so and they never get rid of any.

Seeline · 04/04/2013 10:37

My DSs blazer is washable - nothing like the thick wool thing I had back in the dark ages. Although he has to wear it all day, it washes and dries very easily so can be washed at weekends if necessary Smile

Original poster
Mendi · 04/04/2013 10:42

Washable blazer sounds great!

OP posts:
MTSgroupie · 04/04/2013 10:46

The jacket is about £85. I can't imagine that a state school jacket is significantly cheaper. Trousers and shirts from M&S and Tesco. Jumper is badged so we couldn't escape the £30.

It's the sports kit that is going to get you. Not because they are expensive but because there is one set for PE and one for Games (I've no idea why it can't be just one set for both). Then there is the track suit and the sports bag. Then there is the cricket/netball set. The school do provide the equipment but there is peer group pressure to buy a non basic model hockey stick, badminton racket, lacrosse stick etc.

DD's has a 2nd hand store that sells quality stuff so that saved us a bit.

PS. Don't bother with a coat. No one wears one. Wearing one, regardless of weather, is the badge of the uncool :)

seeker · 04/04/2013 10:48

Why does it matter that it's a private school?

scaevola · 04/04/2013 10:52

Private schools do not have to even pretend to have an affordable version, and the full kit list can be lengthy and elaborate.

OP: do you know anyone with a DC already at the school? So you can find out what really is necessary and what can be put off?

happygardening · 04/04/2013 11:04

I too second the idea of finding out what is really necessary. We used to have different ruby shirts for each term at my DS's prep.
Second hand is definitely the way to go most will have a good 2nd hand shop but do get in early our old prep used to open it for new children afternoon tea/induction but if your were a bit slow off the mark by the time you got to the "shop" all the expensive things like blazers had gone. Ask the school sec. if you can have a look now. If a parent or member of staff runs it and they haven't got what your looking for be extra nice to them and ask if they'll call you if it come in. I was always really nice to the matrons at my DS's prep and when something decent came in they used to give me first refusal and sewed names tapes in for free!! Also advertise locally or ask other parents if you know anyone children grow so fast that most of it will be in excellent condition.

TomDudgeon · 04/04/2013 11:40

We do one blazer, one tie
Two jumpers
Two shorts
Five shirts
Five pairs socks
One of all games kits except two rugby tops and two pairs of each socks

Then two summer shorts
Five summer shirts
Five pairs summer socks

We buy as much as we can through them second hand. They get passed down and then if possible sold on.
They're prep level and blazers are only worn for special events

I wore a blazer to school though everyday and we all only ever had one

Original poster
Mendi · 04/04/2013 11:46

Thank you all. Seeker, the reason that it being a private school is relevant is because the uniform is a lot more expensive than her current state school uniform, and comprises a number of articles which are not part of her state school uniform (a blazer being one).

So no need to try and kick off a private v state bun fight.

OP posts:
BooksandaCuppa · 04/04/2013 11:47

Ds's blazer is very expensive and also wool. He only has one - it's obviously removed for art/tech/games etc so doesn't really get dirty and, crucially, is machine washable. I don't imagine anyone has more than one blazer!

(He only has one tie and I keep thinking we should get a spare; for the sake of £7 it would save the panic of whether it did come home after games...not lost yet, though.)

EyePad · 04/04/2013 11:50

1 blazer
2 trousers
5 shirts
1 jumper
1 waistcoat
1 overcoat
1 scarf
1 tie
1 rugby shirt
1 polo shirt
2 sport socks
1 sport shorts
1 shin pads
1 football/rugby boots
1 trainers

LIZS · 04/04/2013 11:51

Just one blazer, then we did 2 jumpers and one of everything else. Until secondary few schools wear blazers all day every day. If he is playing contact rugby or football you may want a second set so you can have one clean for matches but wait and see how often it is required. You will probably find there is a second hand sale where you can get a second kit and blazer inexpensively - ask the admissions office for dates so you can stock up before the Summer rush.

EyePad · 04/04/2013 11:52

wool blazer here too. and wool overcoat. and wool ruddy scarf!

MTSgroupie · 04/04/2013 13:25

Mendi - seeker only has to walk pass a door in McDonalds that says 'Private' in order for her to start up a bun fight. :)

seeker · 04/04/2013 14:48

Definitely two ties- but don't tell her- keep one hidden somewhere you won't forget for emergencies. If you can get hold of a second blazer secon hand cheaply ditto, but most people will only have one.
If you can run to it two outdoor games kits- particularly hockey socks. Particularly if they a a pale colour- they often don't wash clean first time. Apart from that, the same as any other school uniform.

diabolo · 04/04/2013 14:55

Several pairs of sports socks - I've lost count of the number we've lost over the years

LadyMaryQuiteContrary · 04/04/2013 15:04

1 blazer (cheap one from John Lewis)
1 jumper
3 shirts
3 thermal tops (as he doesn't like carrying his coat around)
3 trousers (so I end up washing every three days)
2 ties
1 cricket kit; trousers, top, hat, socks
1 rugby kit; 2 tops (different colours) 1 shorts, 1 socks, 1 boots
1 tracksuit; 1 top, 1 hoodie
1 athletics kit; 1 top, 1 shorts, 1 trainers
1 hockey kit; 1 shorts 1 top, 1 socks, 1 shin pads
1 swimming kit; trunks, hat and goggles
1 lab coat (he's in year 9 and never worn it)

Problem is, ds can't do PE and has been signed off by the physio (hypotonia) so he's worn his PE kit a handful of times. Sad

moonbells · 04/04/2013 16:46

We have 3 blazers of incremental sizes. The 1st one was brand new (ouch) but then at the termly second-hand sale I got the next size up. Following sale, got the next one up. So we've got 2 blazers in reserve at 1/4 the list price. It's not as if DS is going to shrink, ditto prices for new ones...

MarshaBrady · 04/04/2013 16:50

We got one blazer, one coat, one tie.

Two jumpers, four shirts, five x socks, um three shorts and three trousers, I think.

One swimming, one sports, two sports tops.

MarshaBrady · 04/04/2013 16:52

School shoes, pe plimsolls and white trainers plus white socks.

Felt like loads we bought it all.

TweenageAngst · 04/04/2013 16:59

I ended up buying 2 full sets of rugby kit as DS 1 plays at least 4 days a week and I work long hours and just could not stay on top of the endless washing, ditto 2 PE kits, 5 shirts 3 trousers, two jumpers, 1 blazer and two ties as one invariably goes missing.

seeker · 05/04/2013 07:31

Yes, my ds has two rugby kits too. They take years to dry, and can never be worn more than once!