New rules designed to help ease the financial burden of school uniforms will come into force in September. These rules will limit the number of items branded with a school logo to three per child.
Research by Save the Children and the Baby Bank Alliance network indicates that almost half of parents are worried about the cost of school uniforms. Additionally, a third of 2,000 parents polled reported sacrificing personal items to cover back-to-school expenses like uniforms, bags, or books.
The government has stated that schools should make second-hand uniforms accessible to parents. Many schools offer uniform hubs, swap shops, sales before term, and hardship funds. The School Uniform Reuse Network, launched earlier this year in London, provides advice to schools on setting up or improving swap shops, with over 1,500 items reused across 24 schools in its first term.
Baby banks, which are support hubs across the UK, also provide uniforms for children up to and through secondary school. The Baby Bank Alliance's latest survey found school uniform was reported as a priority item for the first time. Little Stars Shrewsbury, for example, has provided uniform support to over half the children it has helped since June.
Parents can also consider purchasing items from supermarkets and charity shops due to the relaxed branding rules. Supermarket bundle deals can help with frequent-wear items, and the charity Family Action suggests teaming up to bulk buy. Nationwide bank research shows a third of parents buy uniforms from supermarkets, a third shop around for value, and 23% buy larger sizes for longevity.
Local authorities may offer grants of up to £200 per child for parents whose income is below a certain threshold or who receive specific benefits. Eligibility and grant amounts vary by location, so checking directly with your council is advised.