Back to school - how much are you spending on school uniform?

It's back to school next week - and as always there's a last minute rush to buy the right uniforms. For many this can be a financial burden with some parents having to pay out more than two hundred pounds.

Almost every single school in our region now asks children to wear uniform from the age of four - supporters say it improves discipline and makes children feel part of a team. But it can also leave some parents feeling a big hole in their pockets.

For mum Alex Barrow from Weymouth it's a busy - and expensive time of year. Four year old Gracie needs her very first school uniform - and her two big brothers have to be kitted out too.

"We've had to spend out on all new school uniform from trousers to sweatshirts and it's come to around £250."

She's not alone. Several families shopping in Weymouth are facing a rather big bill.

How much money is it costing you?

"300 pounds by the time we're finished."

"We must have spent up to ninety pounds so far on school wear.

Any idea how much is it costing you? "Yes, too much!"

What families spend varies wildy - research on secondary school costs from the Schoolwear Association puts the cost at around £83.

But at some independent schools it's a lot more than that. A skirt can cost up to £40, specialist rugby shirts can come with a bill of up to £35. And a growing number are even insisting on school lab coats for science which typically set you back as much as £25.

In primary schools, it's no longer just about the jumper, the fleece or the sweatshirt. Lots of schools are moving back to a house system - and that means many are asking for PE shirts in team colours - complete with logos.

So is it all getting a bit out of hand? According to one charity yes.

Anastasia de Waal from Family Lives says: "We have actually heard evidence of where parents feel unable to send their children to a particular school or apply for it because they wouldn't be able to afford the school uniform - that kind of scenario is something that we have to outlaw - it's not acceptable - it's not something our education system should be about."

Others say we should look at the bigger picture - at how it gives pupils a sense of pride in their school and helps stop bullying.

David Burgess from the Schoolwear Association says: "It's not all about price - it's about what school uniform does for our community, our children and the smooth running of schools. "

And there are plenty of ways to keep down the costs down such as buying second hand or passing down to family and friends

"Provided it's good quality uniform then the hand me down aspect is very important - I know of one blazer that's on its fourth child which is always good to hear because we like to know that garments get grown out of rather than worn out of."

But regardless of how matter how much your child's uniform costs, you can guarantee it won't stay clean for long.