Help with school uniform costs

Parents and carers

Schools in England must ensure that their uniform policies are fair and affordable. However, with rising costs, buying uniforms can still be difficult for families.

If you need help, check what support is available on your school website or ask your child's school; find their details using our schools finder. Many schools have second-hand uniforms, which you can get by asking for them or through a "uniform swap shop". If your school doesn’t have this, they should be able to guide you to local support.

You can also donate outgrown uniforms to most schools or local groups instead of throwing them away. This will support local families and is better for the planet, as it prevents the uniforms from going to landfills.

Schools' responsibilities for uniform costs

Under the Education Act 2021, schools are required to ensure that uniform policies prioritise affordability to ease the financial burden on families. Schools should talk to families and pupils to understand their views on the school uniform when creating and reviewing policies.

Schools should offer a range of choices for parents/carers to purchase or obtain uniform, signposting to a local provision, local second-hand swap shops, or, if spare uniform is accessible from the school itself. Schools must advertise this clearly on their website.

Why schools should prioritise affordable uniforms

Uniform costs can negatively affect school attendance and families' mental health. An audit of eleven Bradford schools by Children North East shows the growing need to prioritise affordability. This review found that:

• 30% of parents were worried about the cost of uniforms.
• 45% of pupils had to miss PE if they did not have their PE kit.

What can your school do?

Now is the ideal time to review your uniform policy, as the government is consulting on the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill (PDF). Expected to take effect by September 2026, the bill would introduce limits on the number of branded items required.

Addressing Poverty Through School Uniforms (PDF).

Living Well Schools have compiled findings from eleven Poverty Proofing© audits conducted by Children North East in Bradford schools into documents for Bradford schools to use. This document aims to help Bradford schools review their uniform policies, identify barriers faced by families, and provide guidance on how to address them effectively.

Other resources include:

• The Children Society - Affordable School Uniform: A Guide (PDF) - Review your uniform policy and develop a pre-loved uniform provision (pp. 10-17)
• The Child Poverty Action Group Website - Review your uniform policy and develop a pre-loved uniform provision.

For guidance on creating a more equitable school day, visit the Living Well Schools website or contact your Living Well School lead for personalised support.