Children are annoying

School uniforms have always been expensive, in the past,however mostly they are miles cheaper now, like all clothes than ever before.Quality is quite another thing though, but I suppose that doesn't matter if they quickly outgrow them.My school uniform could only be bought from the school itself and was outrageous in price for my poor Mother, so I had to keep it very clean, my own DC school uniform likewise had to be bought from a shop in Windsor, and nowhere else!My grandson can have grey trousers bought from anywhere, a white shirt sleeved polo shirt bought from anywhere and a school fleecy coloured long sleeved top, bought from the school, but very reasonable.So actually, I think that things have improved.

I can understand being annoyed that school uniforms can be expensive, but children growing is not annoying is it? It what they do!

I have just seen an advert for school uniforms for the new term. Poor little souls they haven't even broken up for the summer yet, it will be school folders and bags on special offer next

I like to see children in school uniforms but agree with annodomini that the school shouldn't dictate where items are bought. As long as they are the right colour and comply with school uniform rules why does it matter where they are bought

School uniform is a pain. As often as it has been said that schools should adopt generic items, they still choose to adopt garments that can only be bought (at a price) from selected retailers.

How true! My DD has three school age children, all of whom needed kitting out in new school uniform. Some she was able to pass down to younger ones, but she hasn't thought of school shoes yet. We help out buying jumpers and outerwear. Our DGS's all have sensory processing problems, and like very soft, fleecy fabric next to their skin. We have a Regatta Outlet nearby, and buy nearly all their jumpers and coats from there. If we didn't help with the cost I don't know how they would manage.