Schools urged to scrap exclusive uniform suppliers amid soaring back-to-school costs

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has warned schools that their rules surrounding purchasing uniforms and tech devices from exclusive suppliers is driving up costs for parents.

A series of recommendations have been made to primary and secondary schools in a letter by the CCPC, advising schools to use generic uniform items and "ensure a competitive process underpins the appointment of any exclusive suppliers for school uniforms and tech devices."

As it stands, many schools across the country demand that some elements of their uniforms have bespoke embroidery detail or crests and it is often required that parents purchase these items from exclusive suppliers. This, of course, means that there is no competition when it comes to costs. 

The CCPC has urged schools to use more generic uniform items and to limit the use of these bespoke or embroidered jumpers or jackets in order to bring the costs down for families. Included in this are branded items as well as unique patterns and distinctive colours or designs.

Instead, the CCPC has encouraged schools to opt for more substitutable clothing such as plain or common items that can be purchased from a wide range of retailers. This also applies to PE gear wherein students can often be instructed to wear branded or embroidered sweatshirts or tracksuits. 

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This letter of recommendations from the CCPC follows a survey conducted of primary and secondary schools across the country which revealed that 75% of schools have at least one uniform item which needs to be purchased from an exclusive retailer.

That same survey showed that although 84% of parents support uniforms, 30% believe they are not getting good value for money, 33% think the requirements are not fair and reasonable, and 41% don’t believe there is sufficient choice.

Tech devices were also part of the recommendations by the CCPC. With more and more schools using tablets and laptops as learning tools, this is another significant cost for parents as children go back to school.

When it comes to purchasing these devices, schools have been advised that exclusive suppliers should only be appointed after a competitive process and arrangements with these suppliers should be regularly reviewed. Additionally, schools should avoid requiring parents to purchase non-essential items as part of a technology bundle. Also, schools should communicate with parents on how any exclusive suppliers are appointed.

Commenting on the recommendations, Úna Butler, Member of the Commission, said: "Back-to-school can be an expensive and stressful time for families. By promoting competition among suppliers, schools can help to reduce costs and deliver good value.

"By having branded uniforms and exclusive suppliers, schools can unwittingly suppress competition between businesses and drive up prices. There are very simple steps schools can take to create more competitive markets for school supplies, allowing parents to shop around and secure better back-to-school value.

"Competition is most intense when consumers have options, so we recommend that schools appoint multiple suppliers and avoid exclusive suppliers. Where a specific supplier needs to be appointed, schools should regularly review their arrangements to ensure that the supplier is offering the best mix of quality, price, and service to parents and guardians."