350 new pupils join Government schools as academic year gets underway

With children starting their first week back at school full-time, around 6,000 pupils are settling into a new academic year at Government schools.

Approximately 350 are new enrolments this September - from children beginning their school journey in Nursery to pupils joining from abroad, private schools or home education.

Behind the scenes, schools have spent the summer preparing for their return, while for families, getting back to the classroom can bring added pressure on household budgets as the cost of new uniforms adds up.

The Education Department says all Government schools hold a stock of uniform items which can be made available to families if needed. Parents are encouraged to donate uniform that remains in good condition once their children have outgrown it or moved on to another school.

It also says branded T-shirts and jumpers are not required, with basic items in the appropriate school colours acceptable, placing the emphasis on comfort rather than branding.

Our reporter Katy Docker has been taking a closer look at the return to school.