THE high cost of school Uniform has come under the spotlight after a survey revealed patchy support for struggling parents.

None of the councils in Dorset provide financial support and the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) study revealed uniform grants in schools can range widely in value and most are not advertised.

Many items of school uniform can only be purchased from specific suppliers, which are more expensive than others such as supermarkets and Marks and Spencer.

Now Bournemouth CAB has urged schools to ensure uniforms are available from a range of outlets to keep costs down.

It is also encouraging schools to offer sew-on or iron-on badges and to hold second hand sales or swap schemes.

A total of 38 schools were surveyed in Bournemouth and the surrounding area and now Bournemouth CAB is urging parents to contact them for another survey about their experiences, good or bad.

A Poole council spokesperson confirmed their Crisis Clothing Grant was scrapped in April this year.

“It was costing more to administer than we were giving out – it was part of last year’s council cuts due to a reduction in funding” she said.

“It is not statutory and the majority of local authorities no longer offer this as it was discretionary.”

A Bournemouth council spokesperson said its hardship fund was discontinued in 2007 and Dorset County Council’s website says: “Parents who require assistance with purchasing school uniforms should contact the relevant school direct.”

Few schools responded to the Daily Echo’s request for comments about school uniform.

But Alistair Brien, head of Bournemouth School for Girls, said there have been several, unsuccessful attempts to seek alternative school uniform suppliers in recent years.

He added: “By using a school uniform supplier we are able to ensure that parents are able to get uniform throughout the year, not just in September, in any size – this is something that supermarkets and many department stores simply do not do.

“We do offer uniform grants which are publicised to parents as well as having a very popular, second hand uniform sale.”

Jayne Barron, head of Sturminster Newton High School, said grants are promoted and are available to any family qualifying for free school meals.

She said compulsory items of uniform, such as a £20 blazer and £2.50 tie, are sold at cost price through the school and that other items are available from high street retailers.

At Winton Arts and Media College, finance manager Gill Burbridge said: “We allow parents to purchase the uniform from any outlet they prefer – the only item that is unique is the school tie and school badge.

“The school sells the PE kit but most of the kit can be bought from other outlets, except our rugby top and polo shirts.”

She said parents are entitled to an allowance every two years towards their child’s uniform if they meet relevant criteria.

Ian Carter of Poole Grammar said the only items which must be bought from an official supplier are a blazer, tie and rugby shirt.

He added: “We try to keep the costs down and all other items can be bought on the high street. We also have very successful second hand sales.”

To take part in the CAB survey contact call 08444 11144 between 9.30am and 3.30pm, Monday to Friday or email bournemouthcabadvice@hotmail.com Examples

* Parkstone Grammar: The school website says: “In order to ensure that the correct colours/styles are being worn, all clothing must be purchased from the school’s suppliers or, in the case of PE, from the school itself.”

Uniform includes a jacket, school jumper, fitted school blouses, a regulation skirt, games shirt, shorts and hockey socks.

* Corfe Hills: Uniform includes chocolate brown, box pleat skirts from school supplier, caramel shirts of a specific shade from specific manufacturers, a chocolate brown jacket from the school and a V-neck sweatshirt from the school.

* Highcliffe School: Uniform includes purple jumper and grey skirt, both with school crest. All students must have black Jumpers with crests in Year 11 with the option of changing to a black skirt for one year. PE kit includes a school rugby shirt and a PE shirt, both with the school crest. * Bishop of Winchester Academy: Essential items include a burgundy blazer with Academy badge, an Academy burgundy jumper, Academy tartan skirts for the girls, tie and Academy bags in house colour.

The prices

* Average prices from official suppliers: Blazers – from around £25.

Skirts – from around £10 to £30.

Jumpers from around £15 Polo shirts, approximately £7 or £8 Rugby shirts, around £15 * Supermarket prices (Asda): Blazers – from £10 Skirts – from £3 Jumpers – from £3 Polo shirts – from £1 Rugby shirts – n/a