School uniform – what is changing and when?

School uniform hit the headlines recently, with news of changes in school uniform policy in the UK. These changes could result in significant savings for families. But what are they, and when do they take effect?

In this article we take a look at:

• What are the changes to school uniform policy and when do they happen?
• What difference will these changes make to families with school-age children?
• Do these changes apply across the whole of the UK?
• How to cut the cost of school uniform before the changes happen.

What are the changes to school uniform policy and when do they happen?

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill 2024–25 has recently been passed and is expected to become law in England in September 2026. 

The impact of the Bill on school uniform is that schools will only be able to require parents to buy three branded items as part of school uniform. Secondary and Middle schools will be able to require an additional branded item if one of the items is a branded tie. 

The aim of the bill is to cut costs for families and ensure that schools are more inclusive with no-one at a disadvantage due to the cost of school uniform.

What difference will these changes make to families with school-age children?

Currently 24% of primary and 70% of secondary schools require five or more branded items of school uniform. The average cost of a full school uniform is in the region of £343 for primary pupils and £442 for secondary pupils. 

By reducing the required branded items to a maximum of three, families could potentially save up to £50 per child when the new law comes into force. These savings can be achieved by parents having the flexibility to shop around for many items of uniform at supermarkets or other retailers.

As well as the cost savings, the concept of making school uniform simpler is a cultural shift that makes school more inclusive and reduces the stigma of families who struggle to provide the full and correct uniform for their child.

Do these changes apply across the whole of the UK?

No. The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill 2024–25 only applies in England. However, the rest of the UK are also aware and taking action on the cost of school uniform:

• Scotland : school uniform in Scotland is not covered by law, but recent national guidance recommends that schools use generic colours and unbranded items, and that the total cost of a uniform does not exceed the value of £120 for primary and £150 for secondary pupils.
• Wales : since 2019 there has been statutory guidance that instructs schools to keep uniform affordable and accessible. There is also a School Essentials Grant offering up to £200 for school clothing and equipment.
• Northern Ireland : Individual schools in Northern Ireland decide on their own uniform policies, but there are plans for a School uniform Bill to ensure that school uniform are affordable.

How to cut the cost of school uniform before the changes happen

Whilst the above changes could make a big difference to the cost of school uniform, they do not come into force until next year in England. But in the meantime, there are other things that you can do to cut the cost of school uniform. Here are five ideas that may help:

• Look out for special offers

Many supermarkets have special offers on staple school uniform items, which can be a real bargain. For example both Aldi and Lidl have previously offered uniform bundles in July of two polo shirts, a sweatshirt or cardigan and a choice of trousers, skirt or shorts for only £5. 

Other supermarkets and stores selling school uniform also have sales and offers on a regular basis that could save you up to 25% off the cost. And it’s also worth checking outlet stores for the more expensive items such as school shoes.

• Buy second hand

Buying school uniform second hand is a good way to save money. The first place to look for second hand school uniform is through your child’s school, as many schools operate a school uniform shop. Or if not, they should be able to advise the best way to source your second hand uniform. 

Another good place to look for second hand uniform is on local social media groups. Look for general community groups and also any specific group for your child’s school. Facebook MarketPlace is also a good place to try. Many parents will be replacing uniform over the next couple of months, so it should hopefully be easy to find the items you need.

• Buy off season

To really cut the cost of school uniform, it pays to keep an eye open all year round and buy off season. After all, it may not be necessary to replace your child’s uniform for September. If it still fits, and they are in the same school, why bother? 

But what you could then do is grab some bargains on uniform later in September, when many stores are likely to reduce the prices of school uniform items to clear their stock. It could be a good idea at that point to stock up with a few bits and pieces in larger sizes, ready for when your child outgrows the uniform they are in now.

• Team up with family and friends

If you have family and friends with children of a similar age, it’s worth thinking about teaming up and buying in bulk. Many standard school uniform items come in multipacks and it could work out cheaper to share the cost of these with someone else rather than you both buying individual items.

Also see if there are family and friends with slightly older children who may be able to pass uniform items down to you, and then you can do the same for a family with children younger than yours.

• Seek financial assistance

Across the UK there are systems in place to support families with the cost of school uniform if this is unaffordable. In England you may be able to get a grant from your local council. There are separate schemes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

It is also worth checking if you might be able to get a grant from a charity. Many charities give cash grants for different purposes, including to help with school costs. More information on some of these charities and schemes is available from the Turn2Us charity.

We hope that the above information helps you to understand more about the future changes to school uniform law, and find smart ways to cut the cost of school uniform before then. And if at any stage you need some extra money to complete your child’s school uniform, remember that Loans 2 Go offer a range of personal loans which may be able to help.

For more useful lifestyle and financial tips, visit us here again soon at Loans 2 Go.