Tue, 05 Aug 2025

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 Call for help with school uniform costs in England

Grants are offered as standard in Scotland, Wales and NI - but only by a quarter of councils in England.

* The average cost of a school uniform is £340 for primary school children and £454 for secondary students.
* 22 local education authorities in England offer a dedicated uniform grant, while a further 7 provide help only in exceptional circumstances.
* Councils in some areas offer grants ranging from £30 to £170 per child, but the majority of councils do not offer any support.
* The Local Government Association says funding pressures make it difficult for councils to continue offering concessionary grants.
* School uniform banks are starting to get busier as the new academic year approaches.
* Many parents are struggling with costs beyond just school uniforms, including shoes and equipment.
* Experts warn that the cost of living crisis is exacerbating the problem of unaffordable school uniforms.
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