In a cost of living crisis that is affecting many families, the rising costs of school uniforms has become a topic of concern.

The most expensive item, the blazer, is causing a burden on parents who are already struggling financially.

With the average price of a school blazer reaching £60, some parents are spending over £400 on uniforms for their children, as everything has to be specifically branded for the school.

With that in mind, we asked parents in Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire and Gwynedd whether schools should consider ditching the blazer altogether.

Many parents argue that blazers are unnecessary and simply add to the already expensive uniform.

Chelsea Griffiths said: "£70 for a blazer is ridiculous and they’re going to need more than one.

"In a cost of living crisis more parents are struggling to get by as it is without the added pressure of having to fork out so much for a blazer .

"I’ve just paid £40 for a full PE kit too which is ridiculous too.

"They should be giving more support to working parents who just miss out on the cut off for a uniform grant. Why not give all parents of children starting their first year of high school a voucher to go and buy a new blazer?"

Steve Lewis said: "Yes...actually just a chosen colour fleece would be more practical and probably cheaper too. Children should be wearing clothes that make it comfortable and practical to learn. I'm a retired headteacher and what did I do with my suit jacket five minutes after arriving for work? Put it on the back of my chair of course!"

Vicky Lee Judge said: "It's not just the blazer it's the uniforms in general. They are beyond expensive. I've two children going to high school and I've spent over £400. As everything has to be branded for the school."

Julia Jones said: "Uniform doesn’t improve their learning, ditch the uniforms completely, let kids be individuals."

Meanwhile, some have suggested that teachers should instead be the ones to wear a school-designated uniform, which would help to alleviate the financial burden on parents.

Ysgol Glan Clwyd and Christ the Word in Rhyl have both recently revised its uniform policy to allow students to choose between a blazer or a jumper.

This decision has been welcomed by many parents, who believe that having the option of a jumper is a more practical and cost-effective choice.

However, not everyone is in favour of getting rid of blazers.

Some parents believe that blazers add a sense of smartness and professionalism to the school environment.

They argue that investing in a blazer is worth the cost, as it can be worn for multiple years, unlike other items of clothing that may need to be replaced more frequently.

Frank Hill said: "Best value clothing ever. Worn every day. Just a bit steep on the pricing. Paid £41 yesterday for Brynhyfryd 6th form blazer. Makes me laugh when parents complain over costs though, happy for kids to go to school in £120 trainers!"

Matt Hardy said: "All school uniforms should be the same apart from the tie and maybe the jumper, you should be able to buy a blazer from any shop that way the price will come way down, school uniforms are important and in spite of what some might think they do put most of the kids on an even footing.

Simon Lane said: "Why not send them to school in pyjama bottoms, with scrunched back hair and a dressing gown? Look just like mum then."

But there are also concerns about the quality and pricing of school uniforms.

Some parents have expressed frustration with the prices charged by the shops that supply uniforms, claiming that they charge whatever they want.

Others have complained about the high prices of PE kits, which they believe to be an unnecessary expense.

Sarah Walton said: "There's no need for expensive uniforms, high school, yes I'd expect a little smarter, but swap the polo top for a shirt and tie...that's it! Trousers/skirt, shirt and tie with a sweater!

"PE kits don't need to have school logo on - unless kids are competing in competitions, if they are- school should provide them with something to differentiate them from the rest. Parents of your average 12-year-old who hates sport and is going to try every way possible to get out of PE doesn't need to be spending £25 on socks"

In response to these concerns, some parents have suggested that schools should provide uniforms for their students, rather than placing the financial burden on parents.

This would ensure that all students have access to a uniform without having to worry about the cost.

Overall, the topic of school uniforms and their cost remains a contentious issue.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether any changes will be made to school uniform policies in the future.