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Families forced to shell-out needlessly for new uniforms

The introduction of new school uniforms when schools convert to academy status is forcing parents to needlessly shell-out hundreds of pounds, it has been claimed.

The latest figures show that almost 300 schools converted to academy status at the start of this term, with at least another 100 planning to convert mid-year, and the Local Government Association (LGA) says many are bringing in new uniforms.

Quoting figures from the charity Family Action’s 2013 report, The Big Stitch-Up, the LGA emphasised that new uniforms can cost an average of £161 for boys at secondary school and £156 for girls. An average primary uniform costs £113. If you include other expenses such as coats, bags and stationery, the average back-to-school cost is £156 for a primary child and £285 for a secondary pupil.

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