Mum-of-three outraged after having to spend over
Byline: By, Lucy Marshall & Rachel Hains & Sonia Sharma
The cost of school uniforms has been thrown into the spotlight yet again after a mum-of-three had to spend £242 to kit out her children.
Jennifer Gilmour, mum to an 11-year-old, a nine-year-old, and a five-year-old, explained that her eldest, Sophie, would be starting secondary school -and with her other two children at primary school, she says she still had a lot more to buy.
The mum to Sophie, Riley, and Robin, wants change to be implemented so parents sending their children back to the classroom don't have to spend a fortune during the summer holidays on school gear, reports Hull Live.
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She said: "We recognise that there is a cost when sending kids back to school but it's the sheer price of it all.
"It seems like it is a way of the schools making more money. I find the issue to be especially problematic with secondary school. There's no budget alternatives to the branded uniforms so you cannot find alternatives in the supermarkets etc.
"I have spent £242 already and I've not finished buying. I paid £60 for three pairs of shoes. Our eldest is starting high school and on him alone I spent £120.
"Why can't we use our own blazers and print the school badge on top. Some schools have their own houses as well so you have to have a specific coloured tie. It's also the fact this purchasing comes in the summer holidays too."
According to the high school's website Jennifer's daughter Sophie needs to wear a plain white loose fitting shirt, a black blazer with the school logo on, a house tie to be worn with six visible stripes, either plain black full length tailored and waist high trousers, or a plain black knee length flared, pleated, or a line skirt, as well as plain black leather or leather-looking polished shoes.
The total cost of just her daily uniform would tally up to £88.97 -if both skirt and trousers are purchased and only one pack of twin shirts.
What's more she will also need an indoor and outdoor PE kit consisting of:
Royal blue polo shirt with school logo or house colours -priced between £17.99 and £20.55
White socks -price not listed
High school hoodie -£21.99-£25.99
Royal blue shorts -£6.50
Royal blue socks -£5.50 for one pair
Tracksuit bottoms -price not listed
Football boots -price not listed
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