Internet users in China were shocked to learn that pupils at a private middle school had to shell out 2,180 yuan (HK$2,760) for new uniforms, according to a newspaper report.
Pupils at the Dongguan Foreign Language School were not aware the bill would be so high when they received the outfits, the Southern Metropolis News quoted them as saying.
According to a school notice uploaded on social media, pupils needed two new outfits each for summer, autumn and winter – and two sets of formal attire.
The most expensive items are a 210-yuan sweater and a 150-yuan sweater-vest. A teacher from the school told the newspaper the uniforms were designed for different seasons and the prices were within official regulations. The quality was also better, the teacher said.
In contrast, a pupil at another private school in Dongguan told the newspaper they were required to pay a little over 900 yuan for a set of 14 uniforms. A teacher at the unnamed school admitted prices were higher than a few years ago.
The move by the foreign language school drew discussion online, with many saying the extra cost would be difficult for some families to shoulder.