Frances Bardsley Parents Question Rising Uniform Costs as School Defends New Uniform Under 2026 Government Rules.

27th August 202627th August 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 1 Comment Education, Frances Bardsley, Hornchurch, Romford, Uniform min read

Parents at Frances Bardsley Academy for Girls have raised concerns over the cost of the school’s new uniform, with some questioning whether the changes are consistent with new Government guidance aimed at keeping school uniform affordable. The school has defended its policy, saying it has been reviewed against the Department for Education’s requirements and that it has deliberately limited compulsory branded items.

Parents have contacted the Havering Daily to raise concerns about the cost of sending their children to school in the new uniform, with particular focus on the introduction of a new branded skirt.

According to information provided by parents, the new uniform includes a £34 blazer, a £24 branded skirt, purple check shirts costing £30 for two, plain purple shirts at £28 for two and an £8.25 tie.

Parents say that, in reality, families may need around four shirts and two skirts, putting the basic uniform cost at approximately £206.25 per child before shoes, PE kit and other essential items are included.

The biggest concern raised by parents is the new skirt.

Parents say that previously they could purchase two suitable skirts for around £12 from a range of shops. Under the new arrangements, they say two skirts would cost £48, representing a substantial increase.

There are also questions from parents about the shirts described as non-branded.

Parents have told the Havering Daily that although these items are described as non-branded, they understand they can only be purchased from Havering Schoolwear.

They want clarification over whether an item that can only be purchased from one supplier should effectively be regarded as a restricted item, particularly in light of the new Government guidance.

Parents have also raised concerns about the design of the new skirt, particularly its fixed waistband.

Some parents believe this could present difficulties for children with sensory sensitivities, including autistic children who may find restrictive or tight clothing uncomfortable.

They are asking whether a more flexible alternative could be made available.

The concerns come as new Department for Education requirements concerning school uniform costs come into force from September 2026.

The Government guidance is intended to ensure that schools consider affordability and limit the number of compulsory branded items families are required to purchase.

The Havering Daily put the concerns directly to Frances Bardsley Academy.

Headteacher Emilie Darabasz said the school fully recognised that uniform costs were an important consideration for families.

She said:

“We fully recognise that the cost of school uniform is an important consideration for families, particularly at a time when household budgets are under pressure. We take any concerns raised by parents and carers about affordability seriously.”

The Headteacher said the Academy’s uniform policy had been reviewed with regard to the Department for Education’s statutory guidance, including the new requirements concerning compulsory branded items from September 2026.

She also sought to clarify that parents are not required to purchase a logo on every item.

“We would, however, like to clarify the suggestion that all items of our uniform now need to carry the school logo. This is not the case.”

The Academy said it had deliberately structured its uniform requirements to limit compulsory branded items while providing families with choice wherever possible.

It highlighted its PE kit as an example, saying that much of it is generic and can be purchased from a range of retailers.

The school said FBA-branded PE polo shirts and hooded sweatshirts are optional.

The Academy also pointed to other non-branded items, including coats, shoes, socks, tights and bags, which can be purchased elsewhere provided they meet the colour and style requirements.

According to the Headteacher, the school’s policy has been structured around the new Government requirements.

“The Department for Education’s requirements from September 2026 limit compulsory branded uniform and PE items to three items, with secondary schools permitted a fourth where one of those items is a tie,” she said.

The Academy also highlighted its second-hand uniform provision, saying it works with the Sue Ryder shop in Hornchurch where pre-loved uniform, PE kit and coats are available.

However, for the parents who contacted the Havering Daily, the issue remains one of affordability and clarity.

They want the school to provide parents with a clear explanation of exactly which items are compulsory, which are optional, where each item can be purchased and how the new uniform arrangements comply with the Government’s affordability guidance.

They also want reassurance that children with sensory needs will not be disadvantaged by the design of compulsory uniform.

The Headteacher said the Academy was willing to work directly with families experiencing difficulties.

“We would encourage any parent or carer with concerns about the cost of particular items to contact the Academy so that we can discuss their circumstances and the support or options available.”

She added that the school would continue to review its uniform arrangements, including affordability and value for money.

For parents, however, the questions being raised are not simply about wanting a cheaper school uniform.

They are asking whether families should have to spend hundreds of pounds on compulsory clothing at a time when household budgets remain under pressure.

They also want to know whether there is sufficient choice for parents to shop around, and whether the uniform is genuinely accessible to every child, including those who may struggle with restrictive clothing.

The Academy has made clear that it takes affordability concerns seriously.

The next step, parents say, is clear information, transparency and reassurance that the new uniform will not place an unnecessary financial burden on families.

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