Because every school sets its own uniform policy, parents can still face very different expectations and costs.

Lorraine, who lives in London, has two children in secondary schools and is frustrated that her school has not changed any of its uniform policy this year.

She says several items are still compulsory, including the branded blazer, tie, branded polo shirt, branded shorts and two-toned PE socks.

Even the plain grey trousers or skirt have to be purchased from one of the school's suppliers, she says.

Both her sons have been through a growth spurt this summer, so she is expecting to spend more than £200 on their branded items alone.

"I'm just frustrated, for me it's not even about the money," she says.

"I feel these inconsistencies do not make a difference to education and are really blinkered."

But mum-of-five Carol, from Stockport, welcomes the changes at her children's school. She says her son's secondary school only requires a branded blazer, a branded jumper and tie, with everything else available from a range of shops.

She tries to get most of her children's uniforms second-hand anyway, but always buys the blazer, which costs around £30, as she likes them to have a new one.

She says anything that makes it more affordable for parents is a good thing.

But others are not seeing the changes they would like.

One father from Oxfordshire, who did not want to be named, says his daughter still has to have seven branded items - three for the uniform, three for PE and a summer polo shirt - as there are no alternatives allowed.

"It's ridiculous and unfair. We are paying £200 which we can't afford," he says.