The kids are about to head back to school but it will, as always, come at a cost.



Stationery, bus passes, tablets and laptops all add up to a hefty bill - it's one parents often struggle to cover.



On top of all this is the cost of uniforms.



Royal Oak Primary School principal Linley Bruce says the costs of replacing and maintaining uniforms can be difficult for parents.

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ALASTAIR LYNN/FAIRFAX NZ Royal Oak Primary School secretary Leonie Thode and principal Linley Bruce were left with a pile of lost uniforms at the end of 2015.

"It's another level of stress for parents," she says.

"There are people who definitely struggle to get their kids to school. The fact that some people can't afford the uniform is something we need to be aware of so we can supply help where it is needed."



In 2014 the Ministry of Social Development processed 20,723 applications for school uniform grants.



"It will cost at least $200 to get the basic one of everything," Bruce says.



"All up it can cost well over $500 per child. It's not cheap and there are families that simply can't afford it."



Royal Oak Primary School first introduced its uniform in 2009.



After six years at the school Bruce isn't convinced uniforms are the way to go for primary schools.

FAIRFAX NZ Freemans Bay School board of trustees chairman Peter Bateman and principal Sandra Jenkins.

"It doesn't actually make any difference at the end of the day to the quality of education.

"The uniform doesn't maketh the man."

The staff at Freemans Bay School are of a similar view.

Principal Sandra Jenkins says the decision against implementing a uniform policy gives pupils a sense of individuality.

"Auckland is now such a diverse city and it enables the pupils to represent their different cultures the way they want to.

"It's all about student choice and being flexible. We want our pupils to take responsibility for themselves and their learning.

"If a student is going to be making a presentation or a speech to school community then they choose clothes that are more formal."

The policy results in a more cost effective education, Jenkins says.

Bruce says demand for second-hand uniforms has been rising.

"It's much easier for parents to dress their kids in second-hand clothes but they are not easy to come by."

What do you think? Email alastair.lynn@fairfaxmedia.co.nz with your thoughts.