Tue, 12 Aug 2025

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 School uniform cost 'extortionate' say parents

A charity has claimed about one in three parents are struggling with school uniform costs.

* 38% of parents in Yorkshire and Humber, and 37% in East Midlands, struggle to afford school uniform and PE kit.
* Parents say the cost is "extortionate" and "ridiculous", with some paying over £340 for primary school uniforms and £454 for secondary school uniforms.
* The Department for Education is changing the law to limit branded items schools can insist on, as part of its "Plan for Change".
* Some parents have to save money from Christmas onwards to afford new uniforms each year due to children's rapid growth.
* A charity in Lincolnshire has set up a uniform swap shop to help families reuse and recycle old uniforms.
* Local councils offer grants to help parents cover the cost of school clothing, but more needs to be done to support families.
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