Parents within the Kent region have shared concerns over the increased costs and demands of Secondary school uniform requirements.
These concerns are a result of the increased uniform requirements that have been set by some Secondary Schools in the area.
Michaela is the mother of a pupil at a Kent secondary school. She was one of the parents who was affected by the costs of uniform and demands of her child’s Secondary school.
Many within Kent share similar experiences as Michaela. On a Kent- based social media group, a member described the costs as “excessive” whilst another said she finds schools to be “bullying and controlling in this issue.”
John Viner and his wife Liz Viner are a retired couple in Maidstone who feel keen to do their bit for these families.
The former teachers have organised Penenden Heath Uniform Bank, based in Maidstone, where they give parents uniform that has been donated to the free bank.
They were inspired to begin this after experiencing the issue first- hand with their Grandson.
The Valley Invicta Academies Trust (VIAT) is the board who run four schools in the Maidstone and Malling area.
Kent Online reported that in parents complaints, the schools under ownership of the trust were the same ones that raised concerns due to uniform costs and requirements.
The VIAT were contacted for a statement regarding this issue, but did not respond.
Overall, what is hoped is for a solution to be reached that fits all parties. However, in the mean time, residents like John and Liz are trying to ease the strain.