Peterborough mum’s concern at school’s uniform policy over skirt logo

Mum of two Hannah Carnell said she was “disgusted” that it cost her £18.60 to buy a skirt for her daughter Maisie who attends Ormiston Bushfield Academy, while trousers can be bought for less than two-thirds of that price.

Girls can decide whether to wear a normal pair of trousers, or a skirt which must have a logo on it, while for boys the only option is a pair of trousers.

Hannah, from Orton Malborne, said: “Ormiston Bushfield Academy’s school uniform, I believe, is sexist for the fact that if girls want to wear skirts they have to pay the price for logos on the skirt which apparently is compulsory, whereas boys or girls who prefer trousers can buy trousers from anywhere.

“It’s really unfair.

“Not every school has this ridiculous cost for uniform so why is it like that?

“Most people are out of work or had wages cut because of Covid-19 yet we’re still expected to pay that price.

“The school uniform does not take anyone into consideration with regards to the cost - it’s ridiculously expensive.

“As a family we are struggling with the cost of this. Both my girls need to be kitted our fully as one is starting secondary school and the other is starting Reception.”

Hannah, who had to buy the skirt from Total Clothing, was also frustrated to find out that Peterborough City Council is one of the authorities in England which does not offer a £150 school uniform grant for families on low incomes, as it is not statutory.

She added: “I’m just disgusted to find that the Government have issued uniform grants for certain areas but not here.

“I’ve had to spend £300 on school uniform and it’s not even enough. I need more but can’t afford to buy more.

“It’s not a case of asking for a hand-out, it’s more why can’t this be affordable for everyone?”

A spokesperson for Ormiston Bushfield Academy, which is based in Ortongate, said: “The high standards we uphold as an academy are reflected in all parts of school life and our uniform policy is important in ensuring our students look smart, tidy and have pride in both their appearance and in representing our school.

“Like all our academy policies, our uniform policy promotes fairness, equality and inclusivity. Our uniform was designed and created by our own students and is built around giving students choice and flexibility. All students, for example, have the opportunity to choose between whether they wish to wear trousers or a skirt.

“We understand and appreciate the cost implications of school uniforms for some families and have always actively had provision in place to support children and families who are not able to meet those costs.”

The city council said: “We can confirm we no longer offer the school uniform grants and haven’t since 2009. The decision to stop was made following a change in the law that meant it was no longer statutory to offer the grants.”