Recent research has found the cost of school uniforms is proving a barrier to education for secondary students, with some missing school because they do not have a full uniform. The study by the University of Otago, Wellington — Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, Pōneke, gathered the views of students, parents and staff at three co-educational, state-funded secondary schools in Wellington. The study was undertaken by Dr Johanna Reidy, Dr Michaela Pettie (Ngāti Pūkenga) and Dr Lucy Telfar-Barnard from the Department of Public Health. Lead researcher Dr Reidy said a small but concerning number of students in the study reported missing school because they did not have the correct uniform to wear. Students listed a range of reasons for this, including that their uniform was worn out or did not fit, they did not have enough items to rotate while washing and drying their uniform or because they were sharing clothing with siblings.…