Ditching school uniform logos for maintained schools in Wales is once again being proposed by the Welsh Government to ease financial pressure on parents. School governors, who set uniform policy rules for their schools will be asked for their views.
Former Education Minister Kirsty Williams first suggested the idea and now a public consultation will be held. It will consider whether school uniforms should have no logos or swap to free iron on logos.
Current Welsh Government guidance advises that schools should limit logos to one item of clothing. Many schools allow children to buy cheaper uniform in supermarkets, but some have pricier specialist suppliers for items children must wear.
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The average annual cost of school uniform is £337 for a secondary school pupil and £315 for a primary school pupil, according to the Children’s Society. But any change now is unlikely to help families for this year with most having already bought uniform for the start of the new school year next week.
Grants are also available for low income families in Wales to help with the cost of uniform and kit and that has been increased this year to recognise the pressure of the cost of living crisis. In a letter to governors Education Minister Jeremy Miles asked schools to “provide leniency” in regard to logo branded uniforms. He said some families spend “eye-watering” amounts of money to send their children to school.
His letter went on: “I hope you will agree that this is simply not acceptable. We know that school logos, for example, continue to be a burden for many families. I have therefore asked my officials to explore options in respect of logos on school uniforms.
“Options will include whether schools should either have no logo at all, or use ‘iron-on logos’ to be made available free of charge. This would give families the option to purchase uniforms at cheaper costs from a retailer of their choice.”
The Minister also said he will explore whether to ask schools to demonstrate how any financial agreement they have with school uniform suppliers is passed on to the customer and is within a reasonable margin of high street retailers.
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The cost-of-living crisis means more families are struggling – we will do everything we can to help. Our school uniform guidance means schools must keep the cost uniforms to a minimum and many families on lower incomes are eligible for the Pupil Development Grant, to help with the cost of school uniforms and other school items.
This is the most generous scheme in the UK, and parents and guardians should contact their local authority to check their eligibility and apply. We will be updating this guidance shortly. In the meantime, we ask schools to ensure their current uniform policies are inclusive for all.”
Many schools sell on, or give previously used uniform to parents and uniform swaps have been running for some years as parents struggle to keep costs down. Children and teenagers eligible for free school meals in Wales can apply for a grant towards school uniform, school trips, and kit.
The grant this year has been raised by £100 and is for £225 per learner, or £300 for those going into year seven, to recognise the increased costs with starting secondary school. Both grants have been raised by £100 for this school year, a Welsh Government spokesperson said. All looked after children qualify for the grants, whether they receive free school meals or not. The 2022 to 2023 scheme is now open for all school years from reception to year 11. Parents and guardians can contact their local council to check their eligibility and apply.
Jeremy Miles' letter to school governors in full:
"Dear Governing Bodies,
We know that school uniform and other such items can be a financial burden, particularly for lower income and large families.
The cost of living crisis has meant families are seeing a cut to their household budgets.
While many lower income families are eligible for PDG Access, the most generous scheme in the UK, we know that thousands of families continue to struggle financially. This situation will only intensify with the further energy price rise in October.
In 2019 the Welsh Government updated its school uniform guidance, and made it statutory, to ensure that the cost of school items for families are kept to a minimum. I welcome and thank the many schools that have taken action since the publication of this guidance.
However, we also know that there are still some instances where families are being expected to spend eye-watering amounts of money simply to send their children to school. I hope you will agree that is simply not acceptable.
We know that school logos, for example, continue to be a burden for many families. I have therefore asked my officials to explore options in respect of logos on school uniforms.
Options will include whether schools should either have no logo at all, or use ‘iron on logos' to be made available free of charge. This would give families the option to purchase uniform at cheaper costs from a retailer of their choice.
I will also explore whether schools should demonstrate that any benefit of a financial agreement they have with a school uniform supplier is being passed on to the customer and is within a reasonable margin of high street retailers.
I know that uniform for this academic year has already been agreed and many families may have already purchased these items. However, in this transitional period I would ask that schools provide leniency regarding the need for branded uniform and to consider how their uniform policies may be made more inclusive in the meantime.
I intend to update our statutory school unform guidance and will undertake a full consultation on proposed changes. I am confident that if you, as leaders in our school communities, practice these inclusive principles in daily school life, we can ensure that more equal learning opportunities and experiences are available to our learners, ensuring dignity rather than stigma.
I would like to also take this opportunity to thank all the education workforce for their continued hard work and dedication."
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