Two Moray high schools have changed their uniform policy in an effort to keep costs down for struggling families.
Keith Grammar School and Forres Academy will allow pupils to wear plain black non-branded jumpers instead of ones with the school logo, and will hand out free ties to everyone enrolling in first year.
The effort has been launched following a report documenting the “real cost” of the school day, which offered ideas on how to help youngsters from poorer backgrounds.
Elgin High School and Speyside High School are both considering similar changes.
Debi Weir runs Moray School Bank, a charity which provides uniforms to disadvantaged youngsters, and hailed the move as a step in the right direction.
She said: “It is fabulous the schools are doing this, I have worked with children at Elgin High School who wanted to get rid of labelled jumpers.
“It seems to be happening right across Moray and this is the direction we want it to go in.
“Plain jumpers will make things more sustainable, and free ties will help families who are struggling financially.
“We have campaigned for this for a while so it is good that something is getting done.”
The report was completed by Moray Food Plus, formerly known as Moray Food Bank, to offer ideas on making education cheaper.
Kathy Ross, chairwoman of the charity, said: “We really welcome the plans and pledges already being made by schools to take actions forward.
“It’s now up to parents and young people, schools and Moray Council to action the plan.
“As Moray Food Plus, we already support breakfast clubs within schools, and would be happy to be involved with ideas around homework clubs.”
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead last night expressed hope that the scheme could be rolled out nationwide.
He said: “This is a heartwarming and caring initiative by the secondary schools in Keith and Forres, following the powerful report by Moray Food Plus highlighting the cost of the school day for local families.
“By taking a few simple steps, our local schools have found ways to help reduce costs for their pupils and their families and I hope schools across Scotland follow their example.”
