NOW CLOSED Talk to M&S about their schoolwear and win one of two £100 M&S giftcards

[TheOtherHelenMumsnet]

As you may have seen, we've been working with M&S over the past few months to find out what Mumsnetters think of a variety of M&S ranges. The next one of these is schoolwear - M&S would like to know whether you do or don't buy their schoolwear for your DC and why, and what's important to you when you're shopping for uniform.

Please note - it doesn't matter whether or not you have ever bought schoolwear from M&S, this is open to all!

We've included a few questions to get you started below but please feel free to add any further comments you have. Everyone who adds their thoughts will be entered into a prize draw to win one of two £100 M&S giftcards.

~ When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Is it price, quality, style, fit or something else? M&S would like to understand how you decide whether or not to buy an item of school uniform so please provide as much detail as you can.

~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Are there specific things that you buy online and others that you would only ever consider buying in store? How important are factors such as delivery options, the in store/online experience etc to you?

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not? If you haven't bought M&S school uniform before, why is that? What would make you give M&S school uniform a try?

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store?

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw
MNHQ

I very rarely buy school wear from m&s. In store, stock levels for my (older) boys are always hopeless, you just can't guarantee that any one store will have all, or indeed any, of the sizes you want. Online is not much better. I generally don't order online for home delivery for anything from m&s, as their delivery times are so long, and often unreliable. Ordering to pick up from a store is better, but not terribly convenient. The quality of trousers, when I have bought them is ok, although like other posters, I've found it difficult to find trousers to fit my tall, skinny son. Polo shirts shrink horribly. I usually buy uniform from Next as they have better stock, better quality and offer next day delivery at no extra cost.

narnianarnia Yes!! My friend and I switched from M&S to Sainbos for trousers and dresses due to quality issues. I'm sure they were £1 cheaper as well.

M&S School tights are awful - sizing is weird (5-6 and 7-8 => nothing to fill the gulf between the sizes) and don't wash and wear well. They also have to be bought before December/really cold weather as there is never enough stock.

When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Is it price, quality, style, fit or something else? M&S would like to understand how you decide whether or not to buy an item of school uniform so please provide as much detail as you can.

Fit is really important - DS1 has a long body, short legs and skinny hips so finding trousers to fit can be a nightmare, when he started reception at age 4.7 he was in age 3 trousers and they still had to be taken up. M&S's various length fittings for trousers are very useful for this reason. Quality is also important - I started with Tesco trousers as they were so cheap but they frayed within two weeks. But the most important thing is that they are 100% cotton as anything manmade aggravates his eczema. Have just discovered M&S's Skinkind range which has been a godsend.

~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Are there specific things that you buy online and others that you would only ever consider buying in store? How important are factors such as delivery options, the in store/online experience etc to you?

I tend to shop online as I find shops never seem to have the right size in stock. Ideally i would buy instore so I could look at the fit but I don't mind buying online as long as delivery is quick and cheap, and returning is easy.

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not? If you haven't bought M&S school uniform before, why is that? What would make you give M&S school uniform a try?

DS1's tops and jumpers have to come from a specific shop as they are logoed and an unusual colour, which is very annoying as I would much rather buy cheaper options on the high street. I have bought PE kit from Tesco as it was the cheapest. Trousers/shorts come from M&S Skinkind range, have only had them a few weeks but they seem to be good quality, although without the protective chemical coating they do get dirty/faded much more quickly!

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store?
I would like to see the options in the Skinkind range expanded. At the moment they are limited in colour (black or grey - DS1's uniform calls for navy trousers although thankfully they have been reasonable about him not adhering to that!). And they do not have the extra length options that M&S's normal trousers do. A schoolwear catalogue would be great.

Oh yes and more stock of the Skinkind range please, all year round.

Being buying uniform for last 4 years. Quality has gone downhill very badly in last couple of years. Although the shorts I bought , aged 8, recently were extremely good. I have to buy Next skinny trousers for him now. The trousers last year were so poor, material vile that I returned them for a full refund.
whereas I will soon be buying trousers and shirts for ds2 soon, who is short and chunky, so we will see what quality and fit you have available then.

~ When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Is it price, quality, style, fit or something else? M&S would like to understand how you decide whether or not to buy an item of school uniform so please provide as much detail as you can.

Quality and ability to last - I love the m&s stormwear / stain and crease resistant stuff, it hints that it might survive my DD's escapades!!

~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Are there specific things that you buy online and others that you would only ever consider buying in store? How important are factors such as delivery options, the in store/online experience etc to you?

A bit of both, I get the socks / polos / PE stuff etc online, Tend to get skirts / pinafores in store as I don't like the length being too short and find I often need to hold them to DD to check

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not? If you haven't bought M&S school uniform before, why is that? What would make you give M&S school uniform a try?

I get all schoolwear from m&s or the school direct for logo'd bits. Almost everything I have bought from m&s has lasted fab, except the cardigans I got which looked faded very quickly.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store?

I would prefer better quality cardigans, and more stock instore away from this time of year... DD tends to have a growth spurt around Jan / Feb and it was almost impossible to get anything in store then, I had to order online.

~ When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Is it price, quality, style, fit or something else? M&S would like to understand how you decide whether or not to buy an item of school uniform so please provide as much detail as you can.

It has to fit, DC have to like it, it has to conform to rules, it must be value for money. Rules is the mot important, there's no point buying it if DC cant wear it.

~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Are there specific things that you buy online and others that you would only ever consider buying in store? How important are factors such as delivery options, the in store/online experience etc to you?

Always buy in-store. So much easier for returns and trying things on. Also, less choice so young DC can make a choice, if that make sense! Too big a range means DC dither over which skirt/jumper etc.

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not? If you haven't bought M&S school uniform before, why is that? What would make you give M&S school uniform a try?

Buy from M&S. Usually find items are good value and quality. Also very generous sizes, my 16 year old fits into age 13 so money saved because she can wear children's sizes. Sometimes buy polo shirts for messy small DC from Asda, because they are cheaper if ruined by pain/glue/food.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store?

Learn what colours local schools wear. My daughter has to have a blue skirt and and can be hard to find one that she likes and fits. Yet there are blue skirts in the next town, where no school wears blue.

I buy a great deal of my children's uniform from M&S, all of the children's polo shirts, trousers for boy and girl, socks, summer dresses (really impressed with your selection this year, planning to stock up on those for the next couple of years) and tights. I like the adjustable waist on the trousers and the girls bootcut is the perfect shape for my eldest daughter.

I don't buy the skirts as I think the quality is not as good, often they are too short and have 'fashion' detailing that I'm not keen on. I go to a local school wear supplier for these. Occasionally I buy flat fronted trousers for my (skinny) son from sainsburys, the shape is good but the feel of the cloth is a bit harsh.

I really like the polo shirts - the shape and quality of both the girls and boys are good and I like the scalloped edge on the girls ones, it makes sorting out whose uniform is whose much easier.

I prefer the girls socks that don't need to be paired right to left ie the ones with ribbon bows on the outside, the butterfly patterned ones are lovely and are not foot-specific.

When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Is it price, quality, style, fit or something else? M&S would like to understand how you decide whether or not to buy an item of school uniform so please provide as much detail as you can.

I base my decision on a combination of these. I look for value for money so price is important but i would rather speand a little more to ensure good quality that meant clothes washed and wore well.

~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Are there specific things that you buy online and others that you would only ever consider buying in store? How important are factors such as delivery options, the in store/online experience etc to you?

I tend to shop both on line and in store. I tend to do the main shop (for the new year and around Easter) on line and then top up in store as required. I have found the choice limited in store and think M&S would rather customers shop on line! I also find the school wear area in store very cramped and not suited to families - heaven help you if you have a pushchair with you when trying to shop the area. I only shop on line if I can get free delivery.

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not? If you haven't bought M&S school uniform before, why is that? What would make you give M&S school uniform a try?

I usually buy school uniforms from M&S and occasionally John Lewis. I tend to buy during the uniform promotion which incorporates free delivery. I found skirts, pinafores and polo shirts have worn very well and would recommend them. The cardigans have not worn well. I tried to buy my daughter (age 7)some trousers and found the selection really poor in store - either ok fabiric with a nasty embroidered butterfly or a cheap pack of 2 plain trousers that feel awful against the skin. I ended up buying some from John Lewis instead.

I also find M&S uniform sizing on the small side for younger children. I have just recently bought new dresses for my daughter, I ordered age 8 and 9 and when they arrived there was very little difference in length (my reason for ordering) but a noticable difference in width.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store?

Consistent sizing please; don't try and compete with the supermarkets on price - not everyone makes their decision on price! Offer some natural fabrics especially dresses in the summer; better stock availability at key times on line and in store. I've liked the in store brochure from the last couple of years but will review the on line offer when doing my main shop.

I also think M&S should consider offering free postage for on line purchases over a specific spending threshold. It does annoy me that products are limited in store (trying to buy shorts for my son - over 10 units of age 9 on the rail, a couple of 4 and 5, no age 6 or 7 at all), and then you are expected to order on line before going back into store to join a queue to collect your on line order. Otherwise you have to pay p&p outside of specific promotional periods.
The poor choice of sizing in store is not an isolated case in my experence.

I could go on and on.....

I look for fit first and then ease of use and comfort for ds, who is disabled. I have always bought his uniform items in store, so that I can have a good look at them and make sure they meet his needs. I have bought some items from M&S, and they tend to last well.

The 2 most important factors for me when buying school wear are fit and price, ds1 is fairly slim and quite talk so needs adjustable waists on trousers, ds2 is very skinny and quite tall so needs a slim fitting trouser otherwise he looks like a clown! The quality of the clothes must be good and able to withstand rough boys and be able to be passed on to my younger boys!
I bought all of ds1's school uniform from m&s for his 1st 3 years of school, I have been able to pack it all away for his younger brothers to use. However this last year as ds2 was starting school and he was too small for ds1's old clothes I needed to buy cheap as I had 2 lots to buy. Except for jumpers which I got from m&s as I love the wool ones. I struggled with trousers with ds2 but got some from debenhams in the end, I will never do this again, both boys hems came unstitched, the catches fell off 2 of the 6 pairs and they look worn! I would like to add that I did try m&s cheaper range trousers but they are too wide.
Mid year I got some trousers from sainsburys, they seem to have lasted well.
I tend to buy most of the uniform in store as I need to see the fit and quality, however if I've seen the products previously then I may buy online if there was free delivery and maybe some sort of discount! ( I have bought m&s online with 25% off and 3for 2)
The only item I would never again buy from m&s is school shoes, ds1 had 1 pair and they fell apart before October half term!
I would like to echo a previous poster and say that wider fitting plimsoles would be a huge help here too, I really struggle with ds1.

I bought ds his first school trousers from m&s because there was a bogof sale on. This meant quite pricey but good quality trousers for half price.
I usually buy ds and dds school uniforms from supermarkets. Theyre generally very cheap and fair quality ffor the amoumt of time they are worn. I refuse to pay a lot for clothes which will get grass stains, paint, glue etc on them and need replacing. Kids love messy play so a uniform doesnt last and the price should reflect that.
In a uniform i look ffor easy fastenings, adjustable waists and stain/crease resistant. I hate scrubbing and ironing.

I have different sized and shaped DCs so sadly have to shop around. Best for older teen boys trousers are from schooluniform.co.uk, expensive but have lots of sizes and lengths. Boys shirts are hard to find for older teens, have got him the short sleeved long length m&s ones this term, they're great. But the long sleeve versions are annoyingly too tight - he has v broad shoulders. For girls trousers again I have to shop around to find a decent fit. We try matalan, Asda, m&s, Tesco, next. It's always hard. They are either too tight or too long. I try to go for value/offers but end up usually just grateful we've got some and pay whatever. My teen DD is really fussy, has to have certain style trousers and shirts, hence the general nightmare. Wish shops had more variety of length of trousers and waistband. And more stylish blouses too please!

Forgot to say, I would find a mini uniform catalogue very useful.

When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Is it price, quality, style, fit or something else? M&S would like to understand how you decide whether or not to buy an item of school uniform so please provide as much detail as you can.

like classic fit, (without cargo pockets etc), quality, and adjustable waists, as I swear they are made for children with larger waists than my dss

~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Are there specific things that you buy online and others that you would only ever consider buying in store? How important are factors such as delivery options, the in store/online experience etc to you?

tend to buy online as I hate shopping instore, would like cheaper home delivery costs

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not? If you haven't bought M&S school uniform before, why is that? What would make you give M&S school uniform a try?

usually M&S or John Lewis

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store?

would like better shoes, smaller waisted PE shorts, have to take them in if they fit length wise, grey shirts,

~ When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Is it price, quality, style, fit or something else? M&S would like to understand how you decide whether or not to buy an item of school uniform so please provide as much detail as you can.

I like M&S schoolwear, and always buy from there because of the quality, and it is very hardwearing, but I do try to buy when the schoolwear is on 3 for 2, or more recently, 20% off.

~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Are there specific things that you buy online and others that you would only ever consider buying in store? How important are factors such as delivery options, the in store/online experience etc to you?

I take the DCs to try the clothes on, and buy what I can in store that day. Our school uniform is green, and there never seems to be enough of it in the right sizes, so I usually end up ordering extra cardis and jumpers online and get them delivered to my local M&S Food store.

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not? If you haven't bought M&S school uniform before, why is that? What would make you give M&S school uniform a try?

Always M&S. Our school has a landscaped play area with climbing frames, monkey bars, etc, so my DCs come home from school with grass stains and scuffs on their trousers, but they wash out really well.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store?

1. Consistent sizing. Last year, DS started in P1 (Reception), I bought 2 x 3 packs of white, short sleeve, non-iron shirts and although the packaging was identical, the shirts within each pack were totally different sizes.

2. Colour fastness, and quality. This year's green knitwear has been very disappointing. The colour has faded dramatically over the 10 months of the school year. I had a couple of cardigans in the wardrobe from 2010 that still fitted my DD, and despite being worn for the whole of the 2010/11 school year, they are still bright, emerald green. It would be helpful if you could pick a colour of green and stick with it, rather than different shades each year. I found the 2010 green knitwear to be of better quality than the 2011. I have also found that the stitching that attaches the band around the neck of the cardigans came loose on all three that I bought last year. I took one back in January, but have had to repair the other two that I bought, because you did not have them available to order at that time.

3. Tank tops - why only black, grey and navy? Please, please make these in green!!

Having said all that, I'll still buy from M&S this year.

I have 2 children , both in secondary school , but I can buy shirts/blouses and trousers/skirts from M&S .

My points are ... Yes , good quality , could do with different lengths in boys trousers , he likes the big pockets , tp put the obligatory blackberry in !

DD won't even look at the skirts , they need to be shorter , and tighter and sluttier

Wash well , don't need ironing , bung in the tumble drier , all good , well done .
However , could you not find out the uniform requirement of the local secondary schools and stock accordingly ? The 2 secondary schools here have blue or mauve shirts until 6 th form , so please don't fill the shelves with White shirts that no one wants ( until 6th form )

Have stock through the year , if there's a uniform emergency , I don't have time to order !

~ When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Is it price, quality, style, fit or something else? M&S would like to understand how you decide whether or not to buy an item of school uniform so please provide as much detail as you can

Fit, Quality then price. My DS is tall and slim. It is very difficult to buy trousers for him. I bought 4 or 5 pairs last year - all of which had to go back. Adjustable waists are fine, but not where there is acres of material and a big baggy bottom! Finally discover the "modern fit" M&S trousers and they are perfect. There are lots of skinny boys out there - I don't understand why retailer to plus fit but not more slim fit trousers.

Would like the Modern fit trousers to do a dark grey as well as a light grey.

~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Are there specific things that you buy online and others that you would only ever consider buying in store? How important are factors such as delivery options, the in store/online experience etc to you?

Last year I had to buy online as I couldn't get the trousers I wanted in store (Modern fit and Extra long). I would prefer to buy instore as then you can try them on. Only buy online if I get free delivery otherwise I collect from store. Our school has a uniform for tops so I only need to buy bottoms.

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not? If you haven't bought M&S school uniform before, why is that? What would make you give M&S school uniform a try?

I bought 4 pairs of M&S school trousers last year - 2 pairs black modern fit and 2 pairs grey extra long fit. My son is 6. The grey ones have worn knees and are still wearable. The black one have gone through the knees but it was only last month. I am impressed and will buy again.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store?

I am not however, a fan of the chemicals. I actually do not want Teflon coated trousers. I would like ones with a higher cotton content (at least 50%). I had to buy them last year as they were the only ones to fit my son.

Seamfree, or at least comfy seam socks!

~ When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Is it price, quality, style, fit or something else? M&S would like to understand how you decide whether or not to buy an item of school uniform so please provide as much detail as you can.

the most important factors to me are a combination of quality and price, DDs it's style & fit! I don't like to have drawers full of uniform so I tend to buy fewer items that last longer rather than buying 6 cheap shirts from the supermarket that don't wash well anyway. Past experience of previous purchases plus recomendations from other parents will influence where I buy

~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Are there specific things that you buy online and others that you would only ever consider buying in store? How important are factors such as delivery options, the in store/online experience etc to you?

I don't buy uniform online as I work full time and find delivery a complete faff -much better to get it all done in one trip, plus they can try everything on. Sizing is an issue, especially my preteen who can be one size in a skirt and a completely different size in trousers
the store experience is important -I have walked out of stores before now that looked like jumble sales because I wasn't interested in digging through rails with 2 dcs shouting me in different directions
lighting is also important as trying to distinguish between navy and black trousers/socks etc in a poorly lit area of the store is a nightmare

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not? If you haven't bought M&S school uniform before, why is that? What would make you give M&S school uniform a try?
shirts BHS, trousers/skirts ASDA
I have bought M&S before -I found the polo shirts were small sized and shrank -DCs now in proper shirts so I may consider M&S for this year
skirts & pinafores I used to always buy from M&S as I found the quality very reliable and worth the extra cost however for the last 2 years I have found availability of sizes very poor in my local store

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store?
tall and thin children are not catered for enough -waitbands pulled into their tightest fit to get a long enough skirts is not comfortable

My child started reception this time, I bought the vast majority of her uniform from M&S. I got it from there because I like M and S mostly! I bought some in store and some online. I have had issues with a broken zip on a pinafore dress and noticed online reviews mentioning the same problem. It was replaced in store no quibble though.

I bought pinafore dresses, a skirt, trousers, summer dresses, polo shirts and cotton cardigans plus socks and tights. Cardigans have bobbled a little but not faded much. Tights have been rather rubbish as the elastic in the waists failed very quickly despite only 30/40 degree washing and no tumble drier in the house - I replaced them from a different shop.

I also partly chose it because IME childrens clothes at M and S come up on the small side and this suits us because DD is a tiny petite child.

I think the prices are very reasonable and quality mostly good and some items in particular look less cheap than supermarket versions (in particular the pinafores and summer dresses - supermarket ones are cheaper but look cheap)

I have also had 2 summer dresses from Tesco but they are very ?polyester feeling in comparison and don't look as nice but DD was very impressed that they came with a matching hair scrunchie

I am a bit disappointed with the stain resistant qualities of the Stainaway items - white polo shirts very quickly accumulated an assortment of stubborn stains. Generally, I like to be able to get things with adjustable waists for my skinny children.

Fit, price and quality.

Ds has, like many children, gone through chubby phases just before he shoots up and the m and s trousers don't fit him at such times, too slim fitting. And the quality of the material is poor. So we go for other makes now, where the adjustable waistband means he can wear them whatever and the quality lasts. Also need more charcoal varieties.

Shirts are better, although supplies of standard white shirts suddenly seem to give out just before term. I never but uniform in June because the summer hols are when Ds grows. So it is infuriating when predictable demand is not dealt with.

Now Ds is bigger we sometimes shop for school shoes at m and s. But the insoles have a habit of crinkling up and causing hard skin. When he was smaller I wanted a professional fitter and that wasn't possible.

~ When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Is it price, quality, style, fit or something else? M&S would like to understand how you decide whether or not to buy an item of school uniform so please provide as much detail as you can.

My 9yo DD tells me exactly what she wants and I buy it for her while she's at school. I get asked for a particular colour of skirt or tights, for example, and long or short socks with or without shiny bits etc. I choose on the basis of value for money, since although m&s is handy for me, it's not the cheapest.

~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Are there specific things that you buy online and others that you would only ever consider buying in store? How important are factors such as delivery options, the in store/online experience etc to you?

I buy online at the beginning of each year and get it delivered because I have 3 school age DC and don't want to carry it all back from the shops! I thing the delivery charge is quite high, from memory. I do sometimes use the free deliver to store option if I'm just topping up with a few items, maybe something that was not available in store.

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not? If you haven't bought M&S school uniform before, why is that? What would make you give M&S school uniform a try?

What I would truly love ( and I'm possibly a minority here) is school uniform without the Teflon coating on it. Teflon is carcinogenic and so WHY do retailers insist that our children wear it every school, day? That said, due to lack of options, I do regularly buy m&s school uniform. Sometimes buy polo shirts from Asda etc because they tend to get stained before they wear out anyway.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store?

Don't need a catalogue instore. I like the 'two packs' of girls skirts, they are good value. And the adjustable waistbands are invaluable. I love the pure cotton summer dresses.

The boys trousers are a rubbish fit though. My 5yo son and most of his friends spend the whole day with their trousers slipping down their bums. pLEASE make them fit!

~ When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Is it price, quality, style, fit or something else? M&S would like to understand how you decide whether or not to buy an item of school uniform so please provide as much detail as you can.

My priorities are price, fit and quality. I do not buy 5 pairs of trousers for DS usually only 2 or 3 pairs and prefer ones that will wash and stay good. DD prefers pinafores in the winter/autumn and summer dresses ATM. I usually take DD (8yo) with me to choose her uniform but we get standard grey trousers for DS (10yo) and he always has the polo shirts with the school logo.

~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Are there specific things that you buy online and others that you would only ever consider buying in store? How important are factors such as delivery options, the in store/online experience etc to you?

I shop for schoolwear both instore and online. I must say that my children had M&S school shoes last September and they were perfect I ordered them online and was a little dubious that they would fit but no problems at all with them. Sadly DS outgrew his but DD still has them and one school years wear is good isnt it? We purchase in july or august (instore) for the start in Sept so we can always return/exchange any clothes that dont fit. 10% off days or free delivery will always get me to purchase ..... so special offers are a winner for me!

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not? If you haven't bought M&S school uniform before, why is that? What would make you give M&S school uniform a try?

I do buy from M&S, Asda and Sainsburys usually. My M&S items were boys trousers, boys shoes, girls shoes, grey tights and grey socks. No problems with any of our uniform this year and the shoes were especially good - hoping to buy more this year - all have lasted very well.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store?

The socks definitely need to have better seams or seamfree please your tights are seamfree so why not socks? there is never enough stock in girls tights either and the sizes are strange, DD age 8 needs age 10 tights

No need for a catalogue for me. Also DCs need a tracksuit for their games lessons so a better choice in these would be good.

One last thing is that uniform should be available all-year-round please.