AS A retired independent school teacher, this is something I have always felt very strongly about.

I have seen parents in tears when presented with a bill of hundreds of pounds for uniform, much of which is unnecessary and almost at the personal whim of headteachers.

Should the cost of uniforms be a source of such anguish to parents who are struggling to provide the essentials their children need for their education?

I would urge headteachers to examine the lists they send out to parents and ask them to question whether what they are expecting of their parents is really necessary.

Blazers and sports equipment with school badges? Are they really necessary or are they a source of conflict with parents who can’t afford them?

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