Herefordshire families struggle with expensive school uniform

The Kindle Centre, next to Asda in Hereford, has been holding weekly donation events for those who need an extra hand in getting uniform for their children as school returns after the summer holidays.

People from across the county have donated preloved clothes from many schools, including PE kit, shoes, and ordinary clothes.

Riverside Primary School, in Belmont Avenue, Hereford, has been especially helpful, said the Kindle Centre's manager Mandy Evans.

School uniform has been donated from schools across the county Picture: Rob Davies (Image: Rob Davies)

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They shared a post with parents in the school which led to many donations.

Ms Evans said families are humbled by the generosity.

But Hereford Academy, which is the closest school to the Kindle Centre, has been less helpful, said Ms Evans.

Currently the school's purple badged blazers cost £43, according to its website.

But the centre has struggled with donations due to these costs.

"We are in the most deprived area of Hereford and families can't afford these prices," said Ms Evans.

Hereford Academy a member of the Diocese of Hereford Multi-Academy Trust, and the centre says it should reflect this in their uniform costs.

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Volunteers have been working hard to get uniforms from schools around Herefordshire Picture: Rob Davies (Image: Archive)

A spokesperson for The Hereford Academy said: "We recognise the price of school uniform can be a struggle for families even in a normal year – and this year is no exception as household budgets face increasing pressures.

"As a school we recognise the positive impact on learning as well as behaviour that wearing our uniform has for pupils. We plan to continue to maintain this standard.

"The Academy provides assistance where necessary including options to purchase uniform items via the second-hand uniform shop.

"We are also grateful to the many parents, carers and other organisations who often hand on second hand uniform for free."

With winter around the corner the Kindle Centre predicts people will need help again so the school uniform donations will stay open.