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Branded uniforms not compulsory at Edinburgh schools

The Leith Collective The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson, is standing at a rail of secondhand uniforms at one of her stores. She has blonde hair and is wearing a blue jumper. she is holding a pink dress on a hanger.The Leith Collective
Families can take anything for free from a school uniform exchange set up at Leith Collective stores in Edinburgh, West Lothian and Dundee

Branded clothes are no longer compulsory at Edinburgh schools after the local authority updated its uniform policy.

All schools will continue to have uniforms but the relaxed rules aim to lower costs for parents and carers in the capital.

Councillors agreed at the education, children and families committee that Scottish government guidance on school uniforms will apply to all of its schools.

Meanwhile The Leith Collective - a community interest company - has launched a free school uniform exchange to help families across Edinburgh, West Lothian and Dundee.

The team behind the initiative are asking locals to donate good quality uniforms, coats, gym kits, shoes, schoolbags, pencil cases and any other school items.

They are also calling on local businesses to donate surplus.

Families can then take anything for free from the exchange.

The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson, said: "I've heard first-hand accounts from teachers and parents about what a negative effect it can have on families when they simply can't afford school essentials, and it's heartbreaking."

The Scottish government wants to reduce the cost of the school day for families who can now just buy clothes in school colours.

Blazers and branded items of uniform will no longer be compulsory, encouraged or promoted by schools, the council said.

James Dalgleish, City of Edinburgh Council's education, children and families convener, said it will mean parents and carers will have wider choice on where they choose to buy school uniforms and how much they wish to spend.

"We are committed to tackling poverty and inequality in our schools and it is clear that the cost of school uniform items has, for some, created a barrier to school education.

"One of the ways we are addressing this is by removing the need for parents and carers to be compelled to spend more money than is necessary on school uniform."