By Catherine McKinnell

As a mum, I know the sinking feeling when your child comes home without their brand-new school jumper – the first of many expensive items that will inevitably go missing over the year.

But what should never be normal – what is absolutely unacceptable – is that for too many families, the cost of just one set of uniform is pushing them to the brink.

Hard-working parents are facing costs of more than £400 per pupil for the average secondary uniform, with many having to choose between food or the back-to-school shop.

Children are being locked out of education – skipping school or being sent home, not because they don’t want to learn, but because their parents can’t afford the branded uniform required.

The figures published today by........

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