School Uniform is Changing...

The Back to School period is just about to start, with a few welcome new changes for parents and students alike.

The new law regarding branded school uniform will come into effect as of the 1st September, with hopes that it will significantly reduce costs for parents each year.

The major overall change is that now schools will have a limit of  three branded items for primary schools, and four for middle and secondary schools - if one item is a tie.

Items can still be loaned out or given to students (or purchased) for things like hockey games etc if needed, so long as they are not a requirement for participation in that sport or activity.

Branded items are also now redefined under the guidance of: 

This of course, will include school logos.

With more unmarked items at risk of getting lost or mixed-up between peers and friends, make sure all your child’s items are labelled with one of our Starter Kits.

The aim of the law is to make things more cost-friendly and to not deter parents away from a prospective school or their kid getting involved with sports etc due to cost of branded items needed.

The government has advised that schools should instead consider things like sew or iron-on branded patches, so that parents can choose which items and how many to attach them onto, making it more economical overall while still providing that sense of belonging and unification of the student body.

It’s now also a requirement that each school clearly state their uniform policy on their website for everyone to see, so that parents of current and prospective students alike can see the items needed.

This will be so that they can factor the items into budgeting for the school year.

To help further reduce costs, we also always suggest sizing up so that the uniform will last longer for your child. Or alternatively, look for hand-me-downs from other older students as and when needed. Many schools have a 2nd hand shop on site or organise evenings where parents can pick up spare uniform.

It’s also important to consider longevity when name labelling your child’s uniform, which is why our name tags are reusable! Simply remove the current tag with the built-in removal tool in the Dolphin Applicator and apply the same tag with a fresh backing retainer. Spare packs of retainers are available on our website here.