Browse Sections
Interactive
Popular Sections
Partly cloudyNews
| 
Submit Comments
UNIFORM presentation: pupils from St Philip Howard in their distinctive burgundy sweaters
A blazing row over uniforms
3/ 9/2008
A ‘SWEATER war’ has broken out between a Glossop high school and a local retailer over selling school uniforms.
In the week when schools re-open after the summer break, St Philip Howard headteacher Wendy Steciuk says she is "blazing" about Bull Dog Fashions selling sweaters which include the school’s logo.
"Parents might think we have an arrangement with the shop," she said. "I want to get the message out to parents that we do not. Proceeds from the sale of our sweaters go to school funds. I’ll be reporting the matter to trading standards."
Mrs Steciuk went to the shop in Howard Town Mill to obtain a jumper to examine its quality and to make her opinion clear.
Steve Bridle, who owns Bulldog Fashions, said: "We introduced St Philip Howard jumpers into our range this year as several parents had complained to us over the prices charged by the school. We can offer a good quality garment at less than the school and still make a profit."
Mr Bridle claimed government guidelines state that school governing bodies should ensure uniforms are widely available in high street shops and other retail outlets.
He added that he had supplied Glossopdale Community College with sweaters for the last five years. His shop now carries a stock of around 30 St Philip Howard burgundy-coloured sweaters in four or five sizes and had sold seven to date, including one to Miss Steciuk.
A spokeswoman for Derbyshire County Council — the local education authority — said: "Decisions on uniform are made by individual schools. Our trading standards received a complaint last week about a retailer selling items featuring a logo which may be copyrighted to St Philip Howard Catholic School and we are looking into it."
Got an opinion you want to share?| Company | Typical APR |
| Platinum Exclusive Loan | 7.8% |
| AA | 7.9% |
| Sainsbury's Personal Loan | 8.2% |
| Alliance & Leicester | 8.7% |
| Lloyds TSB | 8.9% |
| Abbey Personal Loan | 8.9% |
| Provider | AER* |
|
ICICI BANK HiSAVE Savings Account |
4.50% |
|
FIRST DIRECT Everyday e-Saver |
1.75% |
|
SAINSBURYS FINANCE Internet Saver |
2.25% |