People say the amount they paid for a school uniform varied from less than �25 to more than �200, according to an official survey.

Four in 10 people thought the uniform they had to buy was too expensive - but almost 60% that it was not.

The Department for Education stresses that where schools choose to have a uniform it should be affordable.

The survey - done by inviting people to fill in a questionnaire on the department's website - suggested most people (77%) were in favour of uniforms for schoolchildren.

More than two thirds thought a uniform could help to improve discipline and raise standards.

But uniforms did not influence their choice of school.

Eamonn O'Kane, general secretary of the NASUWT teachers' union, said the cost of school uniform could be an issue.

"Many teachers believe school uniforms are a great social leveller. Uniforms undermine competitive dressing, which can often lead to bullying," he said.

"Concerns have been raised, however, over the cost of school uniforms, especially when specific items of clothing are required, such as a blazer, in addition to simple garments such as sweaters with a school logo or shirts and tie."

'Sense of identity'

Official guidance says the decision whether to have a uniform, and if so what sort, is down to schools and local education authorities.

Where they do have one, it should suit the pockets of parents in the area. The updated guidance was issued last year in response to complaints that some parents could not afford their children's uniforms.

The Education Secretary, Charles Clarke, said: "School uniforms are good for discipline and school ethos, giving pupils a real sense of identity with their school. They can also help us tackle bad behaviour in the classroom.

"Heads who turn round failing schools tell us that uniforms play an important part in their work to raise standards.

"Parents have a crucial role to play in supporting their children in schools and getting the best possible start in life, and I welcome their support for school uniforms which clearly have a marked effect on improving behaviour and standards in our schools."

There were 1,437 responses to the survey: 67% parents, 11% other adults, 16% school students, 5% "others".