June 17, 2025 — The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has called on schools across Ireland to rethink their back-to-school arrangements, warning that exclusive supplier agreements and branded uniform requirements could be limiting competition and placing unnecessary financial pressure on families.
In a letter sent to primary and post-primary schools, the CCPC outlined a series of recommendations aimed at ensuring school procurement practices do not restrict consumer choice or inflate costs for parents and guardians. The move follows a recent CCPC survey which found that 75% of schools require at least one uniform item to be purchased from a recommended retailer—often through exclusive deals.
The survey also revealed a disconnect between parental support for uniforms and their perception of value: while 84% of parents support school uniforms in principle, 30% said they don’t believe they’re getting good value for money, 33% said the current requirements are unfair, and 41% reported a lack of choice.
“Back-to-school can be an expensive and stressful time for families,” said CCPC Commissioner Úna Butler. “By promoting competition among suppliers, schools can help to reduce costs and deliver good value.”
Butler emphasised that schools may unintentionally be stifling market competition by locking families into limited purchasing options. “There are very simple steps schools can take to create more competitive markets for school supplies,” she said. “Competition is most intense when consumers have options.”
The CCPC is encouraging schools to:
- Increase the use of generic uniform items and reduce reliance on bespoke or embroidered garments.
- Appoint multiple suppliers instead of relying on exclusive deals.
- Use a transparent and competitive process when selecting suppliers.
- Avoid bundling non-essential products, such as specific software or accessories, when parents are required to purchase devices for students.
The guidance is part of the CCPC’s broader effort to promote fairer markets and ensure families are not subject to avoidable back-to-school costs.
More detailed guidance is available on the CCPC’s website.
