Parents not legally required to buy every item on school stationery list

Some stationery lists now include not only exercise books, pencils and glue sticks, but also cleaning products such as dishwashing liquid, pine gel and even bleach.

According to education activist Sue Larkan of Tabansi, these additional demands are not legally enforceable.

“Schools cannot force parents to buy cleaning products or bulk items like boxes of printing paper. No regulation says a parent must buy these items. Parents can decide what they can afford, even if that means buying only some items or none.”

What parents must provide and what schools should

Basic stationery items, such as exercise books, pens, pencils, and scissors, generally remain the parent’s responsibility.

However, items like printing paper and cleaning supplies should be funded by the school. “What we’re seeing is schools shifting these costs to parents so that limited funding can be used for things like maintenance or paying governing body posts,” said Larkan.

Sheadded that parents who cannot afford the full list should contact the school directly.

“Send an email. Explain your situation. Many families are dealing with unemployment, low incomes or single-parent households.”

Branded stationery and ‘packages’

Some schools insist on specific brands or sell pre-packed stationery kits at a premium. “There is no obligation to buy branded stationery or school-approved packages,” said Larkan.

“Parents are entitled to source items themselves, often at a fraction of the cost.”

She acknowledged that some schools argue uniform stationery helps prevent bullying, especially in lower grades, but stresses this does not override parents’ rights. “Uniformity may be well-intentioned, but it cannot be enforced through price-fixing or exclusive suppliers.”

What about branded school bags?

On the issue of branded school bags, Larkan said these are usually considered part of the uniform. However, competition rules still apply.

“The Competition Commission has made it clear that schools must allow more than one supplier where possible. If a parent can find a cheaper bag of the same colour and style, the child should not be penalised.”

As the cost of education continues to rise, Larkan urged parents to question excessive demands and to remember that not everything on a stationery list is mandatory.

“Education is a right, and parents should not be bullied into paying costs that the law does not require them to carry.”

For more information, listen to Larkan using the audio player below: