School uniform costs hit families, say charities
New government rules limit the number of branded items schools can ask students to wear.
Charities in Sussex are cautioning that new school uniform expenses could burden financially struggling families, despite the government's recent announcement of rules aimed at reducing costs by limiting the number of branded items state schools can mandate.
Pelican Parcels, a children's charity based in Brighton and Hove, revealed plans to double its school uniform support by the close of 2026 due to "rising local demand." Elaine Bailey, head of operations, stated, "Every child deserves to start the school year feeling confident, with school uniform and shoes that fit properly. For many families, the cost of uniform can be overwhelming." Last year, the charity distributed over 3,400 items to 520 children across 12 schools, including uniforms, PE kits, and supplies. They are currently seeking donations of good-quality, unbranded uniform items such as polo shirts, pinafores, and PE shorts.
Horsham Matters, a West Sussex charity, estimates that parents spend an average of £336 annually to equip primary school children, a figure that rises to £439 for secondary school students. Kelvin Glen, chief executive, commented, "Nobody wants to send their child into a new classroom without everything they need to learn effectively. There is copious evidence that poverty during school years has a lasting impact on children's educational attainment and life chances."
The government's policy, effective from September 1, restricts mandatory school-logo uniform items to three for primary schools and four for secondary schools, with the latter including ties.
Charlie Milner-Smith from Worthing has observed an increase in school item prices as his son has advanced a year. He noted, "School shoes are definitely a lot more than they have been and kids grow out of them quickly – it's not just a one-off purchase." He views the new rules positively, stating, "It stops you having to keep up with trends and makes sure your kids can just wear more generic things."
Steph Savage, from Surrey, also anticipates the new rules will help manage costs for her two children. She informed the BBC that she recently placed an order and, despite already owning some uniform, spent £250, which did not include branded items. Savage remarked, "It's quite a lot to ask from parents to buy all the uniform and school-specific stuff as well – that all adds up."
Conversely, Lucy Smith, a mother of two, mentioned her children's school has been "quite easy-going." She added, "If our kids walked in without any branded uniform there'd be no questions asked anyway, so it's not made much of a difference to our family."
A spokesperson for the Department for Education issued a statement asserting that limiting branded items would provide families with financial relief and could save some parents up to £50 per child. The department also stated it is supporting schools with new guidance to reduce the cost of individual items, thereby "keeping more money in the pockets of hardworking families."