Mums 'fuming' over 'unrealistic' uniform costs

Libby Tanner is calling on schools to remove logo items and make uniforms more affordable for families

The cost of school uniform and PE kit has come in for criticism from parents in Peterborough with the price tag of hundreds of pounds for logoed secondary school kit labelled “unrealistic”.

Melanie Smith, 43, said she would be spending about “£350 on uniform and shoes, and a bag” to send her 11-year-old daughter to Queen Katharine Academy in September, while Libby Tanner said she was "fuming" after spending £230 so far on her 11-year-old's clothing.

They said the school was "very particular" that pupils wore clothes with logos, and that "makes it impossible to get cheaper alternatives".

The school, in Walton, has been contacted by the BBC for comment.

Parents said it was "mandatory" to have a logo on the school's black skirt

Parents said uniform costs, were putting "incredible" pressure on some families.

Melanie Smith said schools need to do more to offer better options for parents to buy second-hand uniforms

Ms Smith, from Walton, said: "The school is in a socially-deprived area. I am worried people can’t afford it."

Ms Tanner, who lives in Paston, said she had contacted the school to raise concerns on behalf of other parents.

"I was assured it would be addressed but, sadly, I have not had a response yet," she said.

"I did buy a few items off Facebook Marketplace [but] I still have shoes and shirts and a bag to buy.

"The black skirts in supermarkets are better quality and a third of the price, but they don’t have the mandatory school logo.

"It’s a big ask for parents."

The school's website does offer an option to inquire about second-hand clothing alongside a link to the the school's preferred supplier of uniform.

The PE kit for the Queen Katharine Academy includes a red and black polo shirt "from £17", with shorts from £13 and socks from £6

Rising demand for pre-loved uniforms

Elsewhere, charities and community groups that operate uniform rails have been described as a "lifeline".

Bumps & Beyond was set up in 2019 by Vanessa Burton and Alice Scott in nearby Stamford in Lincolnshire and supports families in the wider area with clothing and equipment for children under 12 years.

Sara Long, a volunteer with the charity, said it was supporting "at least 25 families a day".

“We have seen a massive rise in demand and over the past year we have helped hundreds of families”, she said.

Bumps and Beyond support families with clothing, baby and school equipment and uniforms

Aimee Smith, who has a child at Eye Primary School, said the school had a "great service" as parents were encouraged to donate old uniform.

City College Peterborough and Whittlesey Library run "pre-loved" school uniform hubs to support families.

But, due to building maintenance the college did not run the scheme this year.

Families on Universal Credit get support from the government in the form of £50 vouchers.