PROTESTS by parents have led to a school being officially requested to rethink a new uniform policy which nearly doubles the cost of many items.

Northallerton Town Council was so concerned after being approached by parents they passed a resolution to ask the town’s school and sixth form college to reconsider their recently introduced uniform policy, which means many items can only be bought through a school supplier.

Northallerton School and Sixth Form said it is part of moves to standardise the uniform after increasing issues over what can be worn.

But for parents it means trousers and skirts – which now have to include the school logo – along with polo shirts and PE kits, can only be bought through the Schoolshop, increasing the cost for many people.

Cllr Claire Palmer told members of the council she had been approached by concerned parents and believed that the new approach was in contravention of the laws of competition.

She added: “Most items now have to contain the school logo which significantly increases the cost, plain clothes bought elsewhere are no longer allowed.

"They are only available through the York shop and payment can only be made by credit cards Anything less than £20 incurs a delivery charge of £1.20.”

One parent, who asked not to be named, said many felt it was particularly unfair for people with two or three children at the school.

She added: “Some of these items are nearly double the cost, trousers are £15 to £18 and skirts £12.50 to £15.50 with PE shirts £11.50 to £14, it is very hard on some parents who simply won’t be able to find the money.

"We can see why they want to standardise the uniform but there are much cheaper options. And we were never asked about this, we were simply told that’s how it is.”

Headteacher Chris Byrne said the only real change was for purchasing trousers and skirts. He added: “We spend a disproportionate amount of our time establishing what is and isn’t appropriate uniform, when we want to concentrate on learning and we took the decision to standardise it.

“We have and will continue to look at alternative suppliers but we have found the supplier we are using provides best value and a quality product.

"We recognise some parents may find this represents financial challenges and if they want to get in touch with us we will see how we can support them."