Cost of living: School uniform logos could be scrapped in Wales

School uniform logos could be scrapped in Wales under plans to ease the financial burden on families.

The Welsh government will look at whether schools should have no logo, or use iron-on logos free of charge.

In a letter to governing bodies seen by BBC Wales, Education Minister Jeremy Miles said it would give families the option to buy uniforms more cheaply.

A public consultation on the proposed changes will take place "shortly", the Welsh government said.

School governing bodies currently set uniform and appearance policy. Government guidance states they should limit logos to one item of clothing.

Families are eligible for grants if they fall into specific criteria, which is linked to existing eligibility for free school meals.

Lisa Watkins, a mother-of-two from Caerphilly, said getting rid of logos would make a "massive financial difference" to her.

In response to the cost of living crisis, she is in the process of setting up a school uniform exchange in the town.

Ms Watkins is looking to collect uniform donations from five secondary schools in Caerphilly and their feeder primary schools to redistribute to those who are in need.

She said a jumper with a logo from a shop selling school wear could cost about £16, but a similar garment without the logo could be purchased for about £5 in a supermarket.

She explained she still tries to buy clothing with logos for her children due to the "stigma" pupils face.

James Moss, from Newport, said with three children aged 10, 11 and 14, it could be quite expensive.

"If you totted up with two kids in comp it's about £223 for the minimum logoed items and that's not including all the other stuff they need, including non-branded shirts, school socks, trousers, shoes, trainers, so that's quite pricey," he said.

"For primary school, it's much cheaper, it's about £28 for the essential branded stuff and of course you buy the other stuff to go with it.

"To allow iron-on emblems is going to be very welcome, especially for families who are really feeling the pinch with the current issues relating to the energy crisis - it's very good news."

According to a survey of 1,000 parents by the Children's Society, the average annual cost of school uniform in the UK is £337 for a secondary school pupil and £315 for a primary school pupil.

Parents it surveyed believed a more reasonable cost would be a third of that.

Many parents have already purchased school clothing for this academic year.

Janice Anne Vardon is part of the team which started the Aberdare School Uniform Swap Shop and said she thought it was a good idea to scrap the badges, which were potentially unnecessary extra costs.

"Quite often, the difference in badged products and non-badged products is very substantial," she told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.

"A primary school polo shirt goes up from single figures to double figures when you add a badge, and you often need more than one as well, so the impact of the badge is actually quite significant.

She said they have seen a lot of families coming in and using their exchange, especially with the current cost of living crisis.

Ms Vardon added that she knew of parents who felt like they are letting down their children, and feel they are not good parents because they cannot afford the uniform.

"Parents are already stretched, some are going to get to the point where they can't stretch anymore, and be forced to make more decisions they shouldn't have to."

But in his letter, Mr Miles asked schools to "provide leniency" regarding the need for branded uniforms in the new term.

In some instances, he writes, families spend "eye-watering" amounts of money to send their children to school.

He added: "I hope you will agree that this is simply not acceptable.

"We know that school logos, for example, continue to be a burden for many families. I have therefore asked my officials to explore options in respect of logos on school uniforms.

"Options will include whether schools should either have no logo at all, or use 'iron-on logos' to be made available free of charge.

"This would give families the option to purchase uniforms at cheaper costs from a retailer of their choice."

The letter goes on to say: "I will also explore whether schools should demonstrate that any benefit of a financial agreement they have with a school uniform supplier is being passed on to the customer and is within a reasonable margin of high street retailers."

Eithne Hughes, director of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said Mr Miles' letter "frankly comes too late" at a time when many parents would have already purchased uniform.

"The guidance issued in January this year already sets out guidance for schools in determining uniform including limiting the number of items which have logos.

"Iron-on school logos will help reduce uniform costs but will not solve the issues of child poverty which have dogged our nation."

Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru's post-16 education, social justice and equalities spokesperson said education was a great equaliser, but the associated costs were not.

She said many families were struggling to gather the money together to buy school uniforms and equipment for this school year.

Ms Williams welcomed the consultation removing the need for a school badge, but fears this intervention was too late to take effect for this school year.