Schools Warned Over Uniform and Textbook Monopolies

The Competition and Tariff Commission (CTC) has launched an investigation into reports that some schools are forcing parents to buy uniforms and textbooks only from selected suppliers as a condition for enrolling their children.

According to the Commission, this practice is unfair and anti-competitive, as it limits choices for parents while giving undue advantage to a few suppliers. It also disadvantages other businesses and, in many cases, exploits parents who are made to pay high prices for items of poor quality.

A notice published in the Government Gazette last week confirmed that Queen Elizabeth School is under probe for allegedly directing parents of Form One and Form Five learners to purchase uniforms and textbooks only from specific suppliers, namely Giplic Fashions (Scott Adams) and Gramsol Publishing.

The CTC warned that such practices could block other suppliers from entering the market, thereby creating monopolies. Parents have also complained that some of them are able to sew their own uniforms or find cheaper, better-quality alternatives, but schools are refusing to recognise these options.

The Commission emphasised that the investigation does not yet mean the school or suppliers are guilty, but it seeks to establish whether competition laws were breached. Parents, guardians, and other stakeholders have been invited to submit written complaints within 14 days to assist with the probe.

Under Section 28 of the Competition Act [Chapter 14:28], the CTC has powers to investigate restrictive practices, monopolies, and unfair business conduct. If found guilty, schools may be compelled to stop the practice and allow parents freedom of choice when buying school requirements.