Parents using 'buy now pay later' schemes and going without food to afford school uniforms
Cash-strapped parents are using 'buy now, pay later' schemes and going without food to afford branded school uniforms, according to new research.
Parentkind's survey of 2,000 parents of children aged 14 to 15 who attend a state school found almost a third (31%) said they are likely to get into debt to buy school uniforms. The charity also said 29% will go without heating or eating at some point to pay for uniforms. And 34% said they use 'buy now, pay later' schemes such as Klarna to spread the cost out.
The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is today urging schools to give families immediate freedom to shop where suits their budget. It comes ahead of new rules from September 2026 requiring schools to reduce the number of branded uniform items parents are forced to buy to three.
There is currently no limit on branded items schools can ask parents to buy. The Department for Education (DfE) said some schools are requesting more than five and in some cases 10 branded items.
Ms Phillipson said: "School uniform matters, but it shouldn't break the bank. No family should have to choose between putting food on the table and buying a new blazer. Parents have told us they want fewer costly branded items – and that's exactly what we're delivering. Schools can help ease the pressure on families right now by reducing the number of branded items they require."
Parentkind's Chief Executive, Jason Elson, said: 'Parents have faced the crushing cost of sending their children to school for far too long. For many families the bills soar into the thousands every year, covering uniforms, books, stationery, trips, laptops and travel. These reforms are the first real step towards ending that injustice."
He added: 'Limiting branded school uniform items will make a difference straight away. Our research shows 85% of parents believe this will cut costs, 71% prefer to buy plain items and add the logo later, and 83% say unbranded uniform is just as good quality. This is about keeping money in parents' pockets without sacrificing school pride.
'We also welcome universal breakfast clubs, expanded free school meals and funded childcare. These reforms will help level the playing field, ensuring no child's education is limited by the size of their family's bank balance.'
The Government's Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill includes a proposal to cap the number of branded uniform items schools in England can require to three.
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