Sign up to the Hull Live newsletter for daily updates and breaking news Sign up here! Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

An organised Hull mum who has already bought her children's school uniforms ready for September has said the £250 price tag per child was worth every penny.

Sarah Mennell spoke out about the price of school uniform after a campaign was launched to reduce the cost of uniform in Hull to make it "poverty proof."

The campaign has gained support from parents who urge schools to cut the cost of uniform by removing the requirement to use branded items in favour of allowing them to buy generic items from supermarkets at a lower cost. You can read more about the campaign here.

But mum-of-five Mrs Mennell says she does not begrudge spending hundreds of pounds on school uniform because it is an "investment in her children's education", and says it gives her children pride and "a push" to do well at school.

Her eldest daughter Tiamarie joined Kingswood Academy last year and her eldest son, Jackdaniel, joins this September. Having purchased their full branded uniforms, including PE kits, the mum has spent more than £250 each.

Mrs Mennell, also mum to Sydney, ten, Princess, six, and Albert, four, said: "I personally think the price is reasonable.

"The full Kingswood uniform with rugby tops, shorts, tracksuit, rugby socks, ties and all shoes are around £250 in total.

"It’s a investment in their education. If the kids feel smart and look smart it really helps them and it helps them fit in.

"The children wear this uniform for nearly seven hours a day. The quality is better than cheaper brands and my daughter's looks as good as it did a year ago.

"Having the whole school uniform really gives them a push and makes them feel proud. My daughter has 100 per cent attendance for the time in her first year at secondary school.

"Usually she has the odd day off in primary school, but no, she has to attend and keep her 100 per cent. This is not us making her go, even when she might be a little off she literally never wants to miss a day’s education.

Watch: How parents can claim £150 towards the cost of school uniform

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

"She is up at 6.30am, school uniform on and is dressed. As soon as she home she in her non uniform and folds it up and hangs it herself because she’s proud to wear it. Where my kids usually sling it in the floor the value of the uniform teaches them respect.

"I could have probably got it cheaper buying cheaper trousers and shirts shoes but the quality is not as good. I would rather pay that little bit more and get decent comfy quality items once then buying them all again every three to four months."

Have your say

poll loading Do you support the campaign for cheaper school uniform? 2000+ VOTES SO FAR Yes, we should be able to buy from supermarkets No, pupils should all dress the same with branded uniform

At Kingswood Academy, the blazer, tie, jumper, skirt and PE kit must be purchased at the school. Parents have the option to purchase trousers elsewhere but parents are warned even where shops describe uniform as "school wear", the clothes may not meet the school's policy.

Mrs Mennell said the price is fair due to the quality of the clothes, and said her daughter's lasted all year during her first year at the school.

She said: "I think you pay for what you get, if you want cheaper uniforms you will get cheaper made uniforms that won’t last. The quality and design is much better then cheaper options from supermarkets

"I think the price of the uniforms are fair because if you break it down over the year you spend around the same as cheaper uniforms.

"Tiamarie used to go though trousers and shirts and shoes every three months when we got them from supermarkets, but the Kingswood uniform has lasted all year and her shoes are spotless."

Saving up

Although Mrs Mennell admits it is a big chunk of money to pay out, she says she budgets so she is able to afford it and even has uniform accounts for her children.

She said: "£250 is a investment and is easy if you save a little each time. I usually just save up a few pounds from a shop so any loose change goes into the money jar then in bank.

Kingswood Academy school uniform price list Students at Kingswood Academy must be in perfect uniform at all times, from leaving their home in the morning, until they return home. Girls Black Colchester Blazer - (Years 7 – 10) £31.49* Girls Grey Colchester Blazer - (Years 11) £29.99* Girls Grey Cambridge Trousers - (price dependent on size) £18.00* Colchester Skirt £15.00* Boys Black Savile Blazer - (Years 7 – 10) £31.49* Boys Grey Savile Blazer - (Years 11) £29.99* Boys Grey Oxford Trousers - (price dependent on size) £18.00* Academy tie with logo - (girls & boys) £7.50 Black/Grey Jumper with logo £18.00* Aptus short sleeve training top £13.00* Pro Tec Rugby shirt £19.99* Aptus training pants £18.00* Black socks £5.00* Black shorts £6.99* Aptus 1⁄4 zip training top £18.00* Aptus full zip training top £19.99* *Prices vary due to sizing

"The kids have all their own accounts and debit cards so it teaches them value of money. My kids know what things cost and what you need to do to get it.

"So the kids are usually the first to say 'save it', especially if someone gives them a £1 it goes straight into their accounts.

"It’s just been organised and prepared and every little saving does help. I got my uniforms now so that I don’t have to worry over summer, just budget and spread it out. We all know kids are going to need uniforms, we all know the start dates so give yourself a target to reach."

Click here for more news.

Join the Hull Parents group We've created a Facebook group for anyone bringing up children in and around the Hull area. This group is a forum to chat, discuss, exchange advice and opinions and to rant, if you want to! It’s home to stories which affect Hull parents, days out reviews, local information and competitions. The group is run by mum of two Joanna Lovell – the parenting reporter at Hull Daily Mail. Join the group here.

Follow Hull Live

Our daily newsletter - To get the latest headlines direct to your email inbox every day, click here

Follow Hull Live on Facebook - Like our Facebook page to get the latest news in your feed and join in the lively discussions in the comments. Click here to give it a like!

Follow us on Twitter - For breaking news and the latest stories, click here to follow Hull Live on Twitter.

Follow us on Instagram - On the Hull Live Instagram page we share gorgeous pictures of our stunning city - and if you tag us in your posts, we could repost your picture on our page! We also put the latest news in our Instagram Stories. Click here to follow Hull Live on Instagram.