SCHOOL uniform prices are leaving parents counting the pennies ahead of the new academic year.

Families face shelling out hundreds of pounds to make sure their children have all the items required by the regulations.

But county schools say their uniforms present good value for money compared to designer clothes that children may otherwise want to wear.

It comes as research by building society Nationwide showed British parents would spend an average of £186.24 on uniform.

Rebecca Ridgard from Abingdon said she shopped around as much as possible but still found prices were high.

The mum-of-four has one daughter at Larkmead School, one at John Mason School and a son and daughter at Thomas Reade Primary School.

She said: "I think schools could be doing more to make it more affordable. There is a captive market.

"There is a lot of financial pressure on families at the moment and you have to send your kids looking pristine on the first day.

"The uniform and PE kit at John Mason came to about £80.

"I buy the white shirts and trousers from the supermarket chains. I do not see the sense in spending a lot of money on those."

Many schools require pupils to wear certain items with the school badge, such as a blazer and tie, which must be bought from one supplier.

Other items, such as shirts and trousers, can be bought from any shop.

Safia Baker, whose son Usman is just about to start year eight at Cheney School in Headington, said: "I do not think you should have to go to certain shops to get the uniform.

"The price of blazers is extortionate.

"The prices are too high, especially if you have more than one kid at school.

"I think it is a rip-off.

"I agree you have to have the uniform but it should be reasonable and cost-friendly."

Many schools also require pupils to wear branded sports kit, which can range from polo shirts to rugby tops, shorts and socks.

Most schools do not require pupils to wear uniform in sixth-form while The Cherwell School does not have a uniform and instead asks children to wear clean clothes that are "suitable for the workplace."

At Oxford Spires Academy most pupils wear a branded polo shirt, skirt or trousers and sweater, with boys also required to wear a tie. The school also has a PE uniform.

Headteacher Sue Croft felt her school's requirements were good value for parents.

She said: "If you are small our total cost is £68.50 and if you are larger it is £78.

"It is really good value because if you are a parent of a teenager, what you would get instead is a bit of a fashion show.

"They have to have designer clothing."

Mrs Croft said the school in East Oxford always tried to help families who struggled with uniform costs.

She said: "We will help out with uniform if necessary.

"We make sure whatever a child's circumstances they are able to wear our uniform with pride."

PRICE LIST FOR PHOTO:

Toni, Larkmead School

Jumper: £15

Shirt: Five for 10

Trousers: £8

Tie: £9

Lucy, John Mason School

Jumper: £16

Tie: £6

Shirt: Five for £8

Trousers: £6

Michael and Jessica, Thomas Reade Primary School

Jumper: £8

Polo shirt: Five for £8

Trousers/shorts: £8

All shoes were £15 a pair.