Member

Incentivising schools to adopt uniform policies that depend on their ability to freely provide compulsory branded items risks increasing visible inequalities between schools and between pupils. The noble Baroness, Lady Spielman, and the noble Lord, Lord Storey, are concerned about whether this measure may result in more pupils wearing designer items to school, but the Government have set out the policy in a way that gives schools the choice to require compulsory branded items according to their individual circumstances. They will want to think carefully about which items they require to be branded and why, and how they ensure pupils are not under pressure to wear expensive designer clothing where branded items are removed, particularly for PE. However, many schools already set requirements for non-branded items to avoid this, including that students should wear clothing without noticeable designer logos. Not only do schools already face this but they are well equipped to ensure that it does not happen for their children.