Where to look if your school uniform budget is already stretched thin

With the new school year in full swing, buying uniforms remains to be a source of anxiety for many families. With the current cost-of-living crisis and the impending threat of the winter energy prices, new school uniforms are becoming an impossibility for many families.

Despite the new legislation which came into effect from September 2022, costs have not been immediately reduced.

A recent BBC News article has highlighted that many families are not seeing the benefits - owing to a loophole in the new guidance. It reports that while the legislation requires branding be kept to a minimum, it is not banned outright. Furthermore, schools that require a new uniform contract with a supplier have until September 2023 to introduce any changes.

So, what support is available?

At Uniformed, we want to help as many people as possible. Although we might not be able to offer vouchers to everyone (for now!), we have searched for the current government aid available in order to give you greater access to support, should you need it.

England

In England, whether support is available or not is much more of a postcode lottery. Not all councils offer school uniform grants, and for those that do the value of the grant varies massively. The Money Saving Expert has compiled a useful list of the uniform support they were able to find in England, though it is worth checking your local council’s website to see if any help is available.

Scotland

In Scotland, all councils offer a school clothing grant. For children of primary school age, the grant will be at least £120, and for secondary school age children the grant will be at least £150.

Wales

In Wales, all councils offer a pupil development grant that can cover uniforms. Families can apply for the grant of £225 per child, and £300 for children entering year 7.

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, parents can apply for a Uniform Allowance of up to £42.90 for primary school aged children, £87.60 for secondary school children under 15, and £93.60 for secondary school children aged over 15.

UK Wide

UNISON are offering eligible members grants of £70 per child to help towards the cost of school clothing.

Despite these sources of support, BBC News reported recently that the demand for second-hand school uniforms at a hub in Belfast has risen dramatically. This sharp increase suggests that with the current cost-of-living crisis, the reduction to the price of uniforms is not enough. And with grants available to only those in receipt of certain benefits, those who fall just shy of being eligible for benefits will struggle.