ACT to make school uniforms more affordable

ACT will make school uniforms more affordable by limiting compulsory branded items and allowing parents to buy more uniform basics from standard retailers, ACT Education spokesperson Laura McClure announced today.

“Many families are spending well over $1,000 per child on school uniforms once they buy multiple shirts, socks, skirts, shorts, PE gear, and replacement items throughout the year,” says Ms McClure.

“Last year, the Government handed out 38,000 WINZ hardship loans worth $11 million to help families buy school uniforms. We shouldn’t be putting parents into debt to pay for clothing that costs far more than it needs to.

“Right now, some state schools require families to buy everyday uniform items from a single supplier, often at prices well above what they would pay at normal retailers.

“We fund state schools to deliver education, not to force parents to pay more than they need to for basic clothing.”

ACT would amend the Education and Training Act to make school uniforms more affordable through two simple changes:

1. A cap on compulsory branded items: State schools would be limited to a maximum of three compulsory branded uniform items.

2. More generic options: High-use items such as shorts, pants, skirts, skorts, and socks would need to be available as generic alternatives from standard retailers such as The Warehouse, Kmart, and other clothing stores.

“School identity matters. Schools would still be able to require branded items such as blazers, jerseys, cardigans, hats, ties, and dresses that reflect their culture and traditions,” says Ms McClure.

“This policy doesn’t get rid of school uniforms. It simply means parents can buy everyday items like shorts, skirts, pants, and socks from normal retailers instead of being forced into a single supplier.

“There is no educational reason a pair of navy socks should cost three times as much simply because it has to be bought from one approved supplier.

“Nor would this policy affect sports uniforms, team strips, netball dresses, rugby jerseys, rowing uniforms, kapa haka uniforms, or tracksuits. This would only apply to everyday compulsory items where families face the highest ongoing costs.

“Similar reforms introduced in Victoria found families were paying up to $56 more per item for branded versions of everyday clothing than generic alternatives available from ordinary retailers, while reforms in the United Kingdom have saved families tens of millions of pounds every year.

“ACT’s answer to the cost of living is more competition and more choice. By allowing more generic options and limiting excessive branding requirements, we can put hundreds of dollars back into the pockets of Kiwi families while preserving school identity and culture.”