Boost for hard-up families as government calls for uniform costs cut NOW ahead of huge rule change – full list of grants
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THE government is calling on schools to reduce the number of branded uniform items they ask parents to buy.
It comes a whole year before the new rules capping these products come into effect.
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Bridget Phillipson has called on schools to reduce the number of branded uniform items they make parents buy
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A school uniform exchange in Darlington was set up to help struggling families save money
From September 2026, schools in England will only be allowed to ask parents to buy three branded uniform items, plus an optional branded tie for secondary schools.
Currently, schools can make parents buy an unlimited amount of branded uniform items.
However, education secretary Bridget Phillipson told The Sun she is urging schools to implement these changes now, ahead of the new term, to stop families being 'pushed into hardship'.
It comes as new research has found half of parents are paying for school uniform costs on credit, with a third funding them with Buy Now, Pay Later products.
The research, published by Parentkind, also showed that almost half (46%) of parents are 'going without' to pay for school uniforms, with 29% saying they are going without heating or eating.
Almost a third (31%) of parents said they are likely to go into debt to afford school uniforms.
'These figures lay bare the stark realities facing hard-working parents, with expensive branded school wear pushing families into debt. It's a disgrace that families are being forced to choose between food, heating and the back-to-school shop and it needs to stop,' Ms Phillipson told The Sun.
'School uniform is a national tradition in this country and it isn't going anywhere, but buying it shouldn't push families into hardship.
"That is why I am calling on schools ahead of the new term, urging them to start implementing these changes now.
'Parents know, and Sun readers know, this is common sense stuff. You don't need a posh blazer to learn your times tables."
Freebies for parents worth £2,900
The average total expenditure on school uniform and PE kit stands at nearly £400, according to the government.
The new plans will allow parents to buy the majority of their school uniform items anywhere, which should significantly reduce costs for parents.
'Cutting the cost of school uniforms is just one of the ways we're putting more money in parents' back pockets as part of our Plan for Change for the country,' Ms Phillipson added.
'From free breakfast clubs to half a million more kids getting free school meals, I'm absolutely determined to make sure where a young person grows up does not determine what they go on to achieve.'
The Department for Education said its measures would save families £50 per child, based on if they bought all their clothes from specialist uniform shops.
However, industry trade body The Schoolwear Association has warned that the government's cost-saving plans could actually push prices up instead.
A survey of 150 school uniform suppliers found 61% said they would be forced into raising prices to cover money lost by the cap.
'I've had parents crying over school uniform costs'
WHEN 32-year-old Chelsea Johnson set up a "school uniform exchange
Chelsea, who leads volunteers running the Darlington Cares school uniform swap shop, said that what originally started as an idea to help parents share old school uniforms has become a service that thousands of parents in the local area depend on.
Darlington Cares takes in old school uniforms from local parents - including branded items for specific schools - and other local parents can come and take what they need for free.
It is operated like a shop, with all clothes washed and hung on rails - but parents don't have to pay a penny for what they take.
But Chelsea said she has seen parents "in tears" if the exchange has not been able to provide what they need because they can't afford the cost of buying the items new.
"The majority of parents we see can't afford school uniform costs. I've had parents crying because we can't give them what they need because they're struggling for money," she said.
"I think the issue is getting worse. Schools in the local area keep changing their logos, which means parents have to fork out for a whole new uniform, while others are asking parents to buy specific branded kilts and dresses that you can't get in supermarkets.
"It can cost parents hundreds of pounds."
Chelsea said she thinks the government cap will help, but said schools also need to be urgently thinking about how else they can reduce the burden of uniform costs for parents.
"They need to stop changing their logos and having such niche uniforms that mean parents can't shop at supermarkets," she said.
HOW TO GET SCHOOL UNIFORM HELP
If you're struggling to afford the costs that come with the new school term, there are several ways you can get help.
If you receive certain benefits such as Universal Credit, you may be able to apply for a school uniform grant of up to £200 through your local council.
The vouchers on offer vary depending on the council, but normally if you fit the criteria for free school meals you could also get a uniform grant.
If you live in England, contact your council to see what's available.
In Wales, all councils should offer £200 towards uniform for eligible students, while in Scotland it is at least £120.
This will cover school uniform costs, as well as other essentials such as PE kit and travel costs.
Find the contact details for your local council at https://www.gov.uk/school-uniform.
Families can also receive what is known as "local welfare assistance" in the form of a one-off cash payment to cover the cost of school clothes.
In some cases, the support can be worth hundreds of pounds, but it can depend on where you are.
Swap shops, which allow parents to donate old uniforms for other families to use, are another helpful way to manage back-to-school spending.
You can find details of some already established swap shops at lesswaste.org.uk.
Schools often hold second-hand sales, while it's often worth checking on giveaway sites such as Olio where you might be able to pick one up for free.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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