We’re forced to pay £100s more just for a ‘hidden logo’ in bizarre school uniform crackdown – Asda is 3 times cheaper
FURIOUS parents have blasted a Derbyshire school for making affordability “really hard” with new uniform rules.
Tupton Hall School this week announced it would be introducing branded school uniform, promising “high-quality garments”.
Headteacher Andrew Knowles penned a letter to parents explaining a “deterioration in uniform standards” sparked the move.
Mr Knowles added consultation with parents showed support for the move, despite acknowledging concerns around costs.
But parents were so unhappy with the move that they kick-started a petition.
A change.org petition was launched by Emily Barrie, who said: “This affects so many families with the rising cost of living and some having to choose between food and gas/electric already.
“Forcing parents into doubling their expenditure on one piece of uniform per child is unnecessary and forcing them further into poverty, and the children into social/emotional crisis knowing their parents can not afford to clothe them for school.
“The newly enforced school uniform policy at Tupton Hall School, requiring trousers and skirts to have a school logo, places an undue financial burden on families in Tupton.”
Mum Sharna Calver shared the petition on Facebook.
She said: “What is the world coming to?? Seriously the curriculum needs looking at more than an over priced pair of trousers with a fricking logo on it.”
Cheryl Gascoyne also took to Facebook to slam the move.
“£19 for a pair of trousers!!!
“This is not affordable for a lot of people and needs changing.”
Mr Knowles said the school wouldn’t be making any profit from uniform sales.
He again wrote to parents on Thursday, saying in response to the widespread concern – which included that it would be cheaper to source uniform from supermarkets – the school would now be offering deals on additional clothing.
He said: “In light of this feedback, it has been decided that additional trousers or skirts (up to two more) that are required by families can be purchased for a cost of £10 each, irrespective of size or fit.
“Therefore, if parents and carers decide that two trousers or skirts are required, each one will have cost £5 and if three are required each one will have cost £6.66.
Forcing parents into doubling their expenditure on one piece of uniform per child is unnecessary and forcing them further into poverty
Emily Barrie
“When sourcing costs of school trousers from supermarkets this would be a highly competitive price against any of these retailers.
“School will cover the cost of any shortfalls with our suppliers.”
Two-packs of trousers at Asda’s George start at £7, with skirt two-packs on sale also from £7 – making it possible for parents to buy from £3.50 each.
Petition leader Emily Barrie was confused by the school’s ability to suddenly offer an improved deal.
She said: “Whilst this is a generous offer – where is the subsidised money coming from?”
The changes will come into force in September. The petition has received 457 signatures as of Friday afternoon – nearly at its goal of 500.