Commenting as the Secretary of State for Education calls for schools to reduce branded uniform items, and a poll for the charity Parentkind shows parents go into debt to buy uniform, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“It’s important to remember that many schools already do a lot to ensure that their uniform is as affordable as possible for families - and recent feedback from NAHT members shows that further changes are already being made.

"School leaders recognise the value of uniform as an economic leveller but concerns over rising supplier costs and families’ worsening financial circumstances, plus an increased focus on inclusion and attendance – so wanting to minimise barriers like sensory issues with school uniform – means that schools are increasingly relaxing or changing their rules.

“This includes a variety of actions, from simply limiting branded items or making them optional, to running schemes to provide support for families who might be struggling with the cost of uniform, including very cheap or donation only second-hand uniform sales – which can not only keep costs down, but is also more sustainable environmentally.

“We have also heard from schools allowing trainers instead of shoes, as they can be cheaper and used for PE as well as every day, and uniform lists being made gender neutral so clothes can be passed down for siblings.

“An increasing number of families have come under financial pressure due to the cost-of-living crisis, something schools see the impact of every day, so measures that could reduce the costs associated with school are important.”