Government Plans to Slash School Uniform Costs for Millions of Families
Parents could soon spend a lot less on school uniforms, with new government plans expected to save families over £70 million. The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, now moving through the House of Lords, proposes limiting schools to just three branded uniform items, plus a tie for secondary students. "Looking smart at school shouldn’t cost the earth," said Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, saying that parents could save about £50 a year per child.
Right now, parents are shelling out an average of £442 for secondary school kits and £343 for primary, but almost half of schools aren't sticking to current guidance to keep branded items to a minimum. While many welcome the move, some uniform suppliers warn it could backfire, arguing cheaper, generic items might not last as long, possibly costing families more in the long run.
Uniform exchanges like Darlington’s, where 12,000 donated items have already helped thousands of parents, show the growing need for affordable options. While many hope the new rules will ease the pressure, volunteers warn that strict requirements for certain styles could still cause problems. The government expects the changes to take effect by September 2026, aiming to make school more accessible for every child.
