Uniform Rip-Offs

By STEPHEN HAYWARD Consumer Correspondent

TRADING standards bosses plan to crack down on rip-off deals between schools and shops which are pushing up the price of school uniforms.

Despite government attempts to make school-wear cheaper, parents are still being forced to buy expensive uniforms from specialist suppliers – even though they are available cheaper elsewhere.

Head teachers are raising cash for their schools by insisting parents buy expensive school-wear with pre-embroidered badges which can only be bought from recommended shops.

Blazers from official stockists typically cost around pounds 30 to pounds 40. But many high street shops and supermarkets sell them for as little as pounds 10.

Now trading standards experts are investigating complaints about deals in which schools get a financial kickback from retailers. Last week children’s minister Kevin Brennan said uniforms should not be seen as a chance to make money, but as a way of developing school spirit.

The cost of a full uniform at a secondary school, including PE kit, can easily reach pounds 300, even for schools in poor areas.

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