Latest news with #schooluniforms
Khaleej Times
18 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
School uniforms aren't cheap: Cost rundown and how UAE parents are saving money
[Editor's Note: This article is part of Khaleej Times' Schools and Parents, a dedicated section designed to support families in the UAE as they explore educational choices. The section offers explainers, guidance from education leaders, expert advice and insights from parents to help readers make informed decisions about schools, curricula and communities.] For some parents in the UAE, shopping for school uniforms costs just a few hundred dirhams each year. For others, it can be a Dh2,000 dent in the household budget per child. With rising prices and additional items like jackets, shoes, and bags pushing totals even higher, families are carefully weighing what's truly essential. Schools across the UAE are set to reopen on Monday, August 25, following nearly two months of summer break. As Khaleej Times reached out to a cross-section of parents, we found that a mandatory uniform set for grades K–11 at some schools can cost around Dh600, covering shirts, pants or skirts, PE attire, and a jacket. However, at other schools, when blazers, shoes, accessories, and seasonal items are added, the total can quickly rise, with some spending nearly Dh5,000 annually. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Meanwhile, international comparisons show UAE parents may shoulder higher costs than many abroad, placing the country among the more expensive educational uniform markets. As revealed by the National Retail Federation, in the US, K-12 shoppers are budgeting $253 (about Dh923) per child for clothing and accessories, while in the UK, as per a research published by the Children's Society, parents spend around £287 (Dh1,355) for primary students and £422 (Dh1,992) for secondary. Parents counting every dirham Syrian expat Aiham Joratli, whose daughter is entering Year 1, said he spends about Dh1,500 in Al Ain for back-to-school expenses. 'A complete set of two uniforms costs Dh600. A branded school bag is Dh350, shoes Dh200, and lunch box and bottles Dh300–400,' he said. 'Prices in Al Ain are more reasonable than Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but it really depends on what you choose to buy.' For Dubai parent Ami Rasheed, whose children attend a GEMS school, uniforms alone came to Dh1,000. 'That's two sets of shorts and pants, two regular uniforms, one sports uniform, and one winter jacket per child,' she said. 'Shoes are separate — around Dh50 each for regular ones — because kids outgrow them quickly. I buy moderately priced sports shoes for the same reason.' She added, 'I prefer getting everything from 'Threads', the official supplier, rather than hunting for cheaper outlets in Sharjah. Convenience matters too.' American expat Natalia Miranda said, 'I have a nine-year-old son and this year I'm budgeting Dh2,000 for his back-to-school uniform, PE kit, trainers, boxing gear, lunch bag and a few extras. But I wish the uniforms were better quality and made from more natural fabrics.' Tailoring and second-hand options Many parents rely on community WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, or school sales to source pre-loved school items. However, some note that it's not always possible to find everything second-hand, making tailoring a practical alternative. Neimat Ilyas, whose son goes to a GEMS school, said, 'I've been getting the school uniforms tailored for about three years now. Word spread through the WhatsApp school groups that some tailoring shops were making replicas of the school uniforms. These shops even source the fabric and stitch the uniforms, and they embroider the logo by pulling an image from the internet. The only noticeable difference is that the official store uses a digitally printed logo, whereas the tailors stitch theirs. So far, the school hasn't raised any issues with it.' She emphasised when it comes to affordability, the difference is significant. 'In the first year, we saved around Dh100 per set. We ordered nearly four sets of uniforms — what would cost around Dh95 for a shirt and Dh105 for a pant at the official store only cost Dh50 at the tailoring shop. The biggest problem with the official uniform centre is their sizing — and it's something everyone complains about. You either end up paying extra for alterations or opt for customisation. But even then, the designated vendors charge an additional Dh50 for customisation on top of the already high price of the uniforms.' Smart ways parents are cutting costs To help manage expenses, some parents say buying one set now and another mid-year can spread out spending, while uniform swap programmes — where gently used items are exchanged or donated — are helping to reduce costs and waste. Some also recommend buying accessories and non-logo basics from hypermarkets, as long as they match school colour and style guidelines. French expat, Marie Dubois, said, 'I usually buy one set at the start of the year and another midway through to spread the cost as I have three children. Uniform swap programmes organised by schools also help, and for basics without logos, I pick them up from UAE shops while they are on sale or from my home country while travelling, as long as they match the school's colours and style.' Rules on school-specific uniforms Meanwhile, education authorities have urged schools to clearly state in their fact sheets whether uniforms must be purchased from official suppliers. Many Dubai schools now allow parents to buy from external vendors, provided the items match the required design. Uniform costs must also be transparently disclosed to parents before the start of the school year. For example, North London Collegiate School (NLCS), one of Dubai's most expensive premium schools, lists uniform prices in its fact sheet ranging from Dh300 to Dh5,000, available for purchase directly from the school or via approved external suppliers. Schools defend the value of uniforms While parents continue to grapple with rising uniform prices, school leaders in the country argue that uniforms bring benefits in student equality, convenience, and school spirit — though finding ways to balance cost and quality remains an ongoing challenge. Lisa Johnson, Principal, American Academy for Girls, said, 'We believe uniforms promote a sense of belonging and help reduce social pressures around clothing brands, allowing students to focus on learning. My support for uniforms is also shaped by my previous experience as principal of the first public school in Oklahoma (US) to adopt uniforms, where they proved effective in fostering equity across a community with varied economic backgrounds. Uniforms also reduce the morning stress of deciding what to wear, which can be particularly pronounced for adolescents. Students, parents involved in designing uniforms Headteachers reiterated when it comes to uniforms, community feedback is also important to schools. 'If we were making a major change, we would consult our families from the outset. As a small school, it can be challenging to offer a wide variety of uniform options while keeping stock available, but we are always exploring ways to allow girls to individualise their style while remaining within our uniform guidelines. 'Our supplier is Magrudy's, one of the largest vendors in Dubai. They incorporate sustainable practices wherever possible, including using a percentage of recycled fabric. At the end of each school year, we also host a uniform drive where parents can donate outgrown items and exchange them for the correct size, which extends the life of each garment and helps reduce the amount of clothing sent to landfills,' added Johnson. GEMS American Academy – Abu Dhabi, is taking a collaborative approach that puts students' comfort and preferences first. Acting Head of the school, Dr Ethan Hildreth, said, 'In addition, we offer alternative fabrics to support students who might have particular needs. Students wear polos rather than ties, in keeping with a school-spirited American team ethos. Students, parents, and school colleagues were all consulted. Student representatives of school government brought in designs they liked, and elements of various designs were discussed. Students were able to try on samples, model them, and use them in practical trial applications. Parents were similarly consulted and were able to wash, dry, crease, and otherwise test the functionality of uniforms, in addition to providing feedback on the aesthetic qualities.'
The Guardian
a day ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Parents in England skipping meals to afford school uniforms, survey finds
Parents in England are skipping meals and turning to buy-now-pay-later services such as Klarna in order to afford school uniforms before the autumn term, according to a survey. Almost half (47%) of the 2,000 parents who took part in the poll said they were worried about uniform costs, which can run into hundreds of pounds due to expensive branded items, while more than a quarter (29%) said they had forgone food or heating to pay for uniforms. The survey by the parenting charity Parentkind showed struggling parents being forced into debt. Nearly half (45%) of those polled planned to use credit cards to pay for their children's school uniform and a third (34%) said they would rely on Klarna-style delayed payment services. The education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, urged schools to help struggling parents by reducing the number of branded items of uniform that pupils are required to wear as a matter of urgency, before a forthcoming change in the law. A limit of three branded items, plus a branded tie for secondary and middle schools, will be enforced from September 2026 after the government's children's wellbeing and schools bill becomes law, but Phillipson wants schools to act sooner on a voluntary basis. 'School uniform matters but it shouldn't break the bank. No family should have to choose between putting food on the table and buying a new blazer,' she said. 'Parents have told us they want fewer costly branded items – and that's exactly what we're delivering. Schools can help ease the pressure on families right now by reducing the number of branded items they require.' Currently, schools can require parents to buy multiple items branded with a school logo, often from specialist suppliers, with many asking for more than five and in some cases 10 items, pushing total uniform costs up to £400 including PE kit. Under the new legislation, parents will be able to buy cheaper uniform staples such as shirts or trousers from general retailers including Aldi and Marks & Spencer. Nearly nine out of 10 parents (86%) who took part in the poll – which involved parents of children aged four to 15 attending state schools in England – felt that wearing branded uniforms made no difference to behaviour. Parentkind's chief executive, Jason Elsom, said: 'Parents have faced the crushing cost of sending their children to school for far too long. For many families the bills soar into the thousands every year, covering uniforms, books, stationery, trips, laptops and travel. These reforms are the first real step towards ending that injustice. Sign up to First Edition Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion 'Limiting branded school uniform items will make a difference straight away. Our research shows 85% of parents believe this will cut costs, 71% prefer to buy plain items and add the logo later, and 83% say unbranded uniform is just as good quality. This is about keeping money in parents' pockets without sacrificing school pride.' Pepe Di'Iasio, the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: 'Many families face wider financial pressures and cannot afford basic amenities. The rate of child poverty in the UK is simply appalling. We hope to see the government publish a meaningful strategy to tackle this issue in the near future.' The government has announced that millions of families will receive their benefit payments before the August bank holiday this year, with payments originally due on Saturday 23, Sunday 24 and Monday 25 August paid early on Friday 22 August. The minister for social security and disability, Stephen Timms, said: 'This is especially important ahead of the new school year – no family should have to choose between buying school supplies and putting food on the table.'
RNZ News
6 days ago
- General
- RNZ News
Papanui High School brings back uniforms for seniors after decades without
School uniforms at Papanui High School will be compulsory for year 13s in 2026. (File photo) Photo: Left Hand Rotation/Flickr A Christchurch college is bringing back uniforms for senior students after decades of them wearing their own clothes, despite strong opposition from its community and students. At the moment, year 13 students at Papanui High School get to wear their own clothes in their final year. The school surveyed more than 800 students, teachers and community members about a uniform refresh. Overwhelmingly, students and the community did not want uniforms made compulsory for year 13. Some of the teenagers said wearing their own clothes in their final year helped prepare them for the workplace and was a reward for staying in school. A petition's been launched to try and halt the change. But for now, the uniform will be compulsory for year 13 from next year. Papanui High School Principal Robert Gilbert told Checkpoint the main reason the school decided to re-introduce uniform was down to "safety concerns". "We're a very large school, now 1600 students... the school is so large that it's not possible to keep our student community safe because we don't know who the people are on site when they're not wearing a uniform." Gilbert said it had become nearly impossible to differentiate year 13 students from other groups of people on site. "We can't differentiate between say a year 13 student, maybe a trainee teacher, maybe a year 12 student out of uniform, a visitor, or some thug down the road coming in to sell drugs." While Gilbert could not confirm if there had been drug dealers on the school site, there had been issues with non-students entering the grounds. "We wouldn't know because we can't tell which are our students and which aren't. That's probably the point. "We have certainly had unwanted people on site, usually from other schools not in uniform and causing havoc in our school, and it has become a health and safety issue." He said there had also been issues when it came to students off school grounds, particularly at the shopping mall next door. "We want to be able to know where our students are... so if our year 13's go to the shopping mall, that they're identified as representatives and role models from our school, and not just any other random teenager who's wandering through the mall." He said it wasn't uncommon that their students had been accused of behaviour they weren't responsible for, due to their lack of uniform. "What happens if you've got other youths in the mall who are causing trouble? We automatically get blamed because we're the school right next door, whereas if they're in uniform, they're easily identifiable." Gilbert said while the school had considered other options to identify students, such as an ID card, lanyard, or badge, health and safety was not the only factor in reinstating the uniform. "That is a big reason, but that's not the sole reason. "For a lot of students, having a wardrobe, a selection of clothing, the right labels, clean clothes, it is not a problem for them, but for some families that's an issue." He also had concerns about causing divides between the students. "What we actually end up doing by saying you can wear whatever you like... is we start creating an us and them situation with our students." As a solution to this issue, year 13 students can currently opt into wearing a uniform if they would like to. However, Gilbert said this option was no longer viable due to the added health and safety concerns. He also cited a sense of belonging and pride for the students who had managed to reach year 13. However, in a survey sent out to students, staff and community about the proposed changes, only 24 percent of year 13 students supported a compulsory uniform. Parents said they were only made aware of the change through a school newsletter, which outlined progress on the development of a refreshed uniform. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Incommunities invites customers to apply for school uniform vouchers
A housing provider is supporting families with vouchers for school uniforms. Incommunities is offering the scheme to customers with school-age children to help ease the financial pressure of buying uniforms ahead of the new academic year. Emma Warden, manager of Incommunities' Money Matters team, said: "Last year, we had an amazing response to the school uniform campaign. "We received more than 1,400 enquiries from people all over the UK! "However, I'm afraid we can only offer the vouchers to customers who rent from Incommunities. "It just shows how much this kind of help is needed. "This time of year can be a real challenge for families with children – they have to feed and entertain them over the holidays, and for those who work, there may also be childcare costs. "Added to the existing challenges of the rising cost of living, families then also need to find the money for school uniforms in time for the September term. "We're really pleased that, thanks to funding we've received through social value initiatives, we're able to offer this bit of extra support to help take the pressure off our customers." Last year, nearly 900 families benefited from the scheme, receiving a share of £21,500 in vouchers funded through social value contributions from suppliers. The offer is open to all eligible Incommunities tenants with school-aged children who are willing to have a conversation about their income and outgoings. This discussion helps identify those who may need further support from the housing provider. The value of the voucher will be based on individual circumstances. Incommunities' Money Matters team provides practical support with finances, including help with benefits, reducing household bills, and accessing food banks. Over the past year, the team has helped families save and access benefits totalling more than £1 million. Eligible customers can apply for the vouchers by emailing moneymatters@ with the subject line 'School Uniform.' Applicants must include their name, address, and contact details. Vouchers can be used at Tesco, M&S, Asda, Sainsbury's, Matalan, Aldi, and Morrisons. For branded school uniform items, vouchers can be used at Whitakers of Shipley, The Uniform Shop, and Natasha in Bradford City Centre. The vouchers will be available for the next 12 months, but families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible if they need them for the start of the school year in September. More information about the Money Matters team is available at
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Back to school shopping ‘starts in first week of summer break for some parents'
Parents are set to spend more than £100 per child on 'back to school' clothes – and one in eight start shopping for the new academic year during the first week of the summer holidays, a survey indicates. The average spend per child is £108.59 according to the research, which asked parents to estimate how much they usually spend on back to school clothing and products, per child, per year. More than four-fifths (44%) of parents of children of school age splurge the most on shoes, while 16% said blazers are the most costly purchase and 11% splash the cash the most on stationery, according to website MyVoucherCodes. The survey also found that 42% of parents now opt for second-hand clothes to help ease the financial burden. A further 38% of parents said they have bought plain clothing and attach the school logo separately. Those who did this typically estimated they saved more than £40 per year. One in eight (12%) parents surveyed start back to school shopping in the first week of the summer holidays, while 13% who are planning even further ahead start as early as April. Sarah-Jane Outten, a shopping and money expert at MyVoucherCodes, said: 'The cost of school uniforms and supplies can add significant pressure to household budgets, especially during the summer holidays. 'It's encouraging to see parents using creative and cost-effective methods like buying second-hand or personalising plain uniforms to save money. With a bit of planning, there are real opportunities to cut costs without compromising on quality.' Some 1,000 parents of school-aged children were surveyed by OnePoll in June and July for the research. Here are Ms Outten's suggestions for saving money on back to school items: 1. Team up with other parents for school uniform swaps. 2. Look for second-hand items online and school uniform exchanges taking place locally. 3. Buy plain items from supermarkets and add school logos. 4. Time your purchases. Leaving it until later in the summer could mean items are out of stock, although there may be a chance to find a last-minute bargain. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
