A FURIOUS row has broken out over the cost of new uniform prices for Portland Academy students.

Parents have received a letter saying that the uniform must be bought from a specialist schoolwear supplier.

They say it will cost them around £50 extra to kit out a child at supplier Dorset Schoolwear’s prices compared to buying generic uniforms on the High Street.

The navy blue uniform for students in year seven and upwards is described by academy sponsor the Aldridge Foundation as ‘a professional-looking suit.’ It consists of a tie in house colours, blazer, trousers or skirt and a white shirt that can be bought elsewhere.

The PE kit will feature house polo shirts and navy shorts with an optional tracksuit.

Angry parents have set up a Facebook group in response to the Isle of Portland Aldridge Comm-unity Academy’s decision to use an exclusive supplier.

It currently has 216 members, with some parents claiming the prices for the uniform are ‘outrageous’.

Complaints have been made to the Office of Fair Trading about the cost, ahead of the academy opening its doors in September.

Mum Sian Clennell said: “I’m all up for the academy and they will all look so smart in their uniforms but the prices are outrageous.”

Another parent, Sian Thomas-Cutts, said parents will need to buy a spare school uniform.

All students will receive one free set of uniform through a government grant. Reception pupils and year seven are not covered by this grant.

Mrs Thomas-Cutts, of Tophill, Portland, said: “It will cost at least £50 per child buying the uniform through their supplier.

“All of us support the uniform but we don’t support being ripped off.

“It’s life that students will rip their trousers and they will need replacing.

“The academy really needs to take on board that it’s not just one or two disgruntled people, it’s 200 at least and it’s growing.”

Portland dad Rob Tocher said the pricing system is unfair for hard-up parents.

“Portland is the second most deprived area in Dorset. Most people who live on the island are earning minimum wage.

“The jackets are £30 a piece and the trousers are £20. There’s no other choice for parents.”

Tim Munro, a Royal Manor School governor and county councillor for Portland Harbour, said he sympathised with academy parents.

“I have some sympathy with parents of the academy. The first lot of uniform is free and those people who are on benefits will get grants towards their school uniform.

“The value of the free kit will offset the cost.”

Councillor Munro added the decision on the school uniform supplier was taken by the academy board, not by Royal Manor governors.

The academy parents’ group can be seen on Facebook by searching for Academy Uniform Debate Group.

WHY SHOPS WERE CHOSEN

HONOR Wilson-Fletcher, chairman of governors (designate) of the academy, said the decision to use a specialist local schoolwear supplier, rather than High Street shops, was based on a number of factors.

These are: High Street suppliers will not guarantee availability or the prices of any item for any period of time, specialist suppliers have been required to guarantee continuity of stock over a period of time and to guarantee capped competitive prices for parents, High Street retailers do not stock all the items required, specialist suppliers are able and required to give guarantees over the product durability and it is difficult over a period of time for pupils to have identical uniforms if they are being sourced from a range of high street stores.

She said: “Whilst there will be differences in pricing, it is the academy trust’s experience that, through our negotiations with them, specialist schoolwear suppliers can provide better value for money for parents and as their clothes last and remain in good condition longer than many sourced from High Street chains and hold their colour following multiple washes.”

She said a shop will be set up in the academy for the resale of good quality uniform - providing a cheaper option for parents.