Brenda left stunned at clothing bill

GAVIN KEYES is at the exciting stage in his life of starting second-level education this week.

But like thousands of other parents around the country, his mum Brenda is finding it difficult having to meet the bill for his new uniform and school books.

While her €357 spend on books for a first-year student is not uncommon — as most textbooks used up to Junior Certificate cover the full three-year course — she was astounded at how much the cost of clothing Gavin would be.

The list of compulsory items she got before the summer from Coláiste Pobail Setanta in Phibblestown, Co Dublin, included a black rain jacket with school crest costing €70, an €80 school tracksuit with crest on the top and bottoms, a crested polo shirt for sports and PE that cost €16 and a €45 school jumper. After buying a couple of shirts and a trousers, the total Brenda had to spend came to €261 before buying any shoes or runners.

“I was absolutely stunned when I saw a €70 jacket on the uniform list. The tracksuit has a lovely royal blue sweatshirt and I don’t mind the need for a crested top.

“The tracksuit bottoms are navy blue with a crest on the leg, but I don’t see why they couldn’t be allowed to wear any navy bottoms, which they could probably get for €10 and save nearly half the tracksuit price,” said Brenda.

She said the polo shirts are another unnecessary expense, as she was able to get him three plain polo shirts in Marks & Spencer last year for €9.

“Now I have to pay €16 for one with a crest on it. I was lucky to get €305 for him under the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, which will nearly cover the total cost after his shoes,” said the single mother.

A spokesperson for Coláiste Pobail Setanta, which was opened in August 2008 by County Dublin Vocational Education Committee, said parents and students are very happy with the uniform. She said the school skirt is designed to be worn long in first year and to last for five to six years.

“The jumper lasts two to three years, depending on care. The jacket is a reversible fleeced hooded jacket so can be worn as a winter coat for up to six years and likewise the school tracksuit can be worn all seasons and has a ‘hoodie’ top,” she said.

“Non-crested items can, of course, be bought very cheaply but usually these items have a much shorter lifespan, so would offer poorer value for money in the long term. The uniform company supplying the school run a savings club for parents and the school endeavours to assist any parent who presents with financial difficulties. A uniform also prevents everyday teenage dilemmas of keeping up with the latest fashion, their peers and with labels.”