NEWS STORY : UK Government Caps Branded School Uniform Items to Ease Financial Burden on Families

STORY

Millions of families across England are set to benefit from lower school uniform costs, following new government measures to cap the number of branded items schools can require. Under the proposals, schools will be limited to insisting on no more than three branded uniform items, with ties exempt from the limit. The change, part of the wider Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, is expected to help around 4.2 million children across 8,000 schools and save families up to £73 million a year.

Currently, parents are spending an average of £442 each year on secondary school uniforms and £343 on primary school uniforms. The new rules aim to allow parents to shop around for cheaper options, rather than being forced to buy expensive branded gear from specific suppliers. The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said:

“Looking smart at school shouldn’t cost the earth, and no parent should be forced to choose between buying family essentials and a school shirt or tie.”

The bill also includes funding for free breakfast clubs in all state-funded primary schools, meaning families could save up to £500 a year when both policies are combined.

Charities have welcomed the move. Lynn Perry MBE, Chief Executive of Barnardo’s, said high uniform costs can negatively affect children’s attendance and wellbeing, with some families even sending their children to school in ill-fitting clothes or keeping them at home.

The reforms follow concerns that some schools have been adding more and more branded items, despite previous guidance encouraging them to keep costs down. A government survey found one in five schools had increased branded requirements in the last year alone. Ministers say the new limits will ensure that school uniform costs are kept reasonable and that no child misses out on education because of the cost of kitting up.