A BARNSLEY MP whose five-year campaign to drive down the costly price of kids’ school uniforms has resulted in scores of items being donated to worst-hit local parents - but a fresh drive to force change will continue to help those in need.
Following the largest survey of school uniform costs in the UK, the Schoolwear Association found the average cost of compulsory uniform and sportswear items tops three figures per pupil.
Leaders from the body surveyed a range of retailers from across the country that supply 11.9 per cent of all schools in England - representing 409 schools and approximately 395,000 students.
Barnsley South MP Stephanie Peacock, who recently delivered donated uniform to the Salvation Army’s Goldthorpe branch following the conclusion of her 2024 exchange campaign, called for change.
Ms Peacock has run the campaign on a yearly basis, encouraging people in Barnsley to donate school uniform they no longer need so that those who may make use of them can do so.
She said: “I was pleased to pop into the Salvation Army in Goldthorpe recently to drop off the leftover school uniform donated to my exchange programme.
“It was good to speak about the work they do in the community as I know the Salvation Army does a brilliant job supporting people locally.”
The research claimed that parents spend on average £422 a year on secondary and £287 on primary uniforms, with branded items costing more.
Average costs include £75 for coats, £62 for shows, PE kits for £63, blazers for £46 and jumpers, ties and shirts amounting to £40.
Stephanie added: “School logo embroidery, or the limited number of outlets from which uniforms can be bought means shops can charge higher prices.
“When families in Barnsley are already struggling to get by, and we know shockingly 25 per cent of kids are growing up in poverty in our borough, it’s not right that compulsory costs for their child’s education could push them further into financial difficulty.
“I was pleased that my exchange scheme was once again successful throughout the summer.
“I hope that people in Barnsley can continue to benefit from the uniform that has been so kindly donated to my collection.
“Many of my constituents have spoken to me about the affordability of school uniforms, including one family who had to pay £200 for one child for school uniform and PE kit.
“That is completely unacceptable - buying a school uniform for your child is not a one-time occurrence, because kids grow.
“Parents and carers spend sleepless nights worrying about how they will pay for new shirts, shoes or trousers.
“Children from poorer families who are unable to replace worn-out or outgrown items of school uniform struggle, and that has to stop.
“I know as a former teacher, there are great benefits to uniforms, from instilling pride and a sense of community in a school, to supporting good behaviour and discipline.
“But they must remain affordable, and we should do all we can to ensure no parent is forced to spend too much money for their child’s education when times are already so hard.”
