More than 300 people have signed a petition calling on high schools to ’reduce the requirement’ for expensive branded uniforms.

The petition describes the cost of uniforms and additional attire as being ’too expensive’.

An accompanying statement said: ’Everything from the correct colour PE socks to the item of clothing required to keep our children warm in the winter is required to have some type of branding to show which school your child attends.

’This is not just a one-off purchase at the start of the school year either - children grow rapidly throughout their school years and the branded uniform needs replacing time and time again.’

’To meet the demands of these uniform policies, a lot of financial hardship can be placed on families.’

The petition also highlights the impact on student mental health - questioning how many students have been disciplined for not having proper uniform, despite this possibly having not been their fault if their parents could not afford it.

It also emphasised the effect on parents, asking: ’Why should a parent be put through the shame, guilt, and embarrassment of approaching the school to tell an unknown person of their financial struggles?’.

It argues that a school tie should be sufficient to show school identity, and that branded jumpers and blazers are unnecessary.

costs

The petition calls on the government to step in to help with the ’ever-rising’ costs of uniforms, pointing out that previously the Department of Education, Sport and Culture had always given the same response, that school uniforms are the policies of individual schools.

However, given what it calls the ’lack of desire’ of schools to change their policies, the petition is now calling on the DESC to step in and provide a common uniform policy.

MLC Katie Lord-Brennan has also stepped into the debate, putting the issue to Education Minister Dr Alex Allinson, asking: ’What action will the DESC take in connection with uniform policy to make school uniform and PE kit fair and affordable for parents?’

Dr Allinson responded that uniform requirements, both in school and for PE, creates ’identity and a sense of belonging’ and allows for a ’common dress code, not driven by fashion or social status’.

He added: ’Schools are mindful of the financial burden that uniforms can place upon families. Parents are encouraged to approach the head teacher if they are experiencing particular difficulties.

’Schools will then support parents in exploring options.

’Options that are available include second hand uniforms, using funds available from third sector providers and dedicated funds held by DESC.’

Ms Lord-Brennan then tweeted: ’Not good enough - set a proper policy with issues in mind - not first time this has been raised - parents shouldn’t have to go cap in hand to head teachers because of branded socks and selected limited supplies’.

Retired Ramsey Grammar headteacher Annette Baker told Manx Radio that school uniform policies were about looks, not specific branding - and that people could source the cheapest form of uniforms they could - such as sewing separately-bought badges onto generic clothes.

Mrs Baker said she does not believe that abandoning a uniform policy would make things any cheaper for parents, who would instead be left having to buy even more clothing for students.