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School uniforms have long been a feature of British education, but recent developments have reignited national debate about their role, cost, and fairness. As the government announces new measures to tackle the rising expense of uniforms, parents, educators and policymakers are divided on the future of the tradition. Here are the top five reasons why school uniforms are once again at the centre of controversy in the UK.

1. Rising costs for families

One of the biggest concerns is the financial burden school uniforms place on families. According to recent surveys, the average cost of a complete uniform can reach several hundred pounds per child per year. Many parents argue that branded items, such as school-specific blazers and jumpers, unnecessarily inflate costs. Campaigners are calling for more affordable, non-branded alternatives to ease the strain, particularly during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.