Controversial Ruthin school uniform change will set some parents back 'almost £1,000'
Parents have expressed their outrage at the cost of a high school’s new uniform with some saying it will set them back almost £1,000.
Families of pupils at Ysgol Brynhyfryd in Ruthin say they are happy to pay for branded blazers and jumpers, but argue the cost of trousers are three times cheaper in supermarkets.
From specialised uniform shops, they cost between £17.20 and £23.66 a pair.
A new PE kit with embroided top is also being introduced with the amber coloured socks alone costing between £5.98 and £7.18 a pair.
One angry mum, who did not want to be named said: “A basic uniform costs around £200, not including extra jumpers and trousers etc.
“The PE kit is also really expensive, especially when you can get very similar items, such as shorts and socks, from supermarkets for less than half the price.
“I have three children at the school so it’s going to cost me nearly £1,000 by the time I’ve bought shoes and coats.
“Of course everyone budgets for their child’s school uniform and it wouldn’t be so bad if you only had one in the school.
“But any more than that and it begins to get ridiculous.”
The debate, which has been discussed on social media saw scores of people getting involved.
One said: “We were assured by the school that it would be affordable but just working some quick figures out I realised it’s basically trebled the annual cost.”
Another wrote: “I pay £35 for a blazer for my son he will need new PE kit, that’s another £50 for shorts and top. Then there’s trousers, which I can buy from supermarkets and shirts. You’re still talking about another £40 this is without shoes, trainers, a school bag, plus I pay £20 a week for his bus without even thinking about school dinners.”
But some spoke out in support.
One said: “The cost of school uniform, compared to free education negligible. Will people really allow the uniform costs to decide where to educate their children, instead of teaching standards?”
Another added: “I’m not a parent but I think school uniforms are great. I can still acknowledge the fact that they are expensive but it doesn’t segregate anyone. More so in high school, own clothes day often puts so much pressure on kids what to wear, is it good enough will they fit in.”
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On their website, the school say there was a desire to change the uniform and during a questionnaire, pupils, parents and staff agreed with 67%, 77% and 95% respectively.
It says: “It was agreed that the uniform should be ‘off the shelf’ rather than ‘bespoke’ as this offered affordability, ongoing availability throughout the year and durability.
“In addition, it was agreed that named manufacturers and brands would be specified in order to secure consistency in style and colour, with all specified items being readily available from local suppliers Workplace Worksafe Ltd and Threads.”
A grant of up to £50 will also be offered for pupils who have free school meals and low income families may also be entitled to funding if their child is due to start at the school in September.
Consultation
Vice chairman of governors, Cllr Huw Williams admitted the new uniform will set parents back an extra £150 per child but said: “We have worked extremely hard on this, there’s been a questionnaire and a working group and we’ve had open meeting where parents could air their concerns, but they have been poorly attended.
“We have around 1,000 pupils at the school and only a small percentage of people kicking off about this.
“We’ve looked at all angles and as the vice chair of governors, I am 100% behind the school.”
He added: “The school has come a long way in the last 12 months and is one of the best performing in the county
“We want to make a proud statement about our pupils and get the best out of them.
“The trouble with trousers from supermarkets is that they don’t last very long.
“Our uniform is a lot cheaper than others that have been introduced across the county.
“We understand people face financial pressures, but uniforms are a cost that families expect.
“We’ve got to be proud of our school and take this forward – no matter what you do, you’re bound to get people who aren’t happy.”
Price list on school website
Blazer with logo from £29.95 to £35.35
Jumper with logo from £21.95 to £29.52
Skirt from £19.38 to £26.31
Trousers (slim leg option) from £17.20 to £22.56
Trousers (regular option) from £18.25 to £23.66
Shirt (not branded)
Tie – £5 – £8.35
Footwear – polished black leather shoes
Plain black socks
Tights (min 40 denier)
PE kit (years 7-10 only) – shorts from £5.60 to £7.32, T-shirt £7.98, socks from £5.98 to £7.18, outdoor long-sleeved top from £27 – £33.77.
Trainers
Leotard
Coats – dark in colour and waterproof (No hoodies, denim or leather jackets will be permitted)
Bag should be of a ‘rucksack’ type with shoulder straps.
Supermarket comparison
Pack of three pairs of Adidas sports socks – £10
Supermarket trousers – £8 for two pairs
Two-pack of supermarket boys PE shorts – £3
Two-pack of supermarket skirts – £12
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