Parents and carers asked for views on school uniform costs

Sunday 15 October 2023

Parents and carers are being asked their thoughts on the cost of branded and compulsory school uniform items.

Launched last week, the survey – which closes on Friday 20 October – is open to parents and carers of current Government school pupils and those who will join one next year.

It asks them how much they pay, whether they are satisfied with the quality and cost of school uniform, and which items they think should be branded.

This comes after the Jersey Market Regulatory Authority found earlier this year that the school uniform market could be improved for consumers by considering policies of other jurisdictions, as well as other recommendations.

There were too few providers of uniforms in Jersey, the report found, with most supplying uniforms on exclusive (rather than competitive) terms – and some schools had a high proportion of branded or compulsory items.

Pictured: Deputy Gardiner has committed to a review of the Government's school uniform policy by September 2024.

Children's and Education Minister Inna Gardiner has committed to having new measures in place by September 2024 and she said the survey would help to shape the upcoming school uniform policy.

Deputy Gardiner explained: "It is clear – from speaking with parents and carers – that even if they value having some kind of uniform, the sheer number of compulsory or branded items that they have to buy drives up costs and causes anxiety.

"This is true even for parents and carers whose children attend school with second-hand shops, or can access some support with the cost.

"If, as I've committed, we are going to introduce clear guidance to support schools, and make sure that there is competitiveness in the market, I want to ensure that I have given all the people involved an opportunity to share their views."

HAVE YOUR SAY...

The survey can be accessed at the following links:

• In English

• In Portuguese

• In Polish

• In Romanian