Summarised by Centrist

Parents in New Zealand are concerned over the cost of compulsory school uniforms as a new school year approaches. The price of these uniforms can range from $80 to over $1,200 for a single student, placing a financial burden on families. 

Research in New Zealand has revealed that even in higher socioeconomic areas, nearly 20% of students worry about their parents affording the uniforms. School leaders are also concerned about the impact of uniform costs on education access. While supporters argue uniforms have benefits, their cost should not create barriers to education. 

There’s suggestion that the government should step in to ensure fair access to uniforms, citing the UK’s Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Act 2021 as an example of legislation that could be implemented. Additional measures, such as subsidies and national bulk buying, could also alleviate the burden on families and optimise investment in education.

Editor’s note: In general, public schools do not have uniforms in Canada and the USA.

Read more over at The Conversation

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