Fri, 22 Aug 2025

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 'I work full-time but can't afford school uniform'

Parents using a free clothing bank say they are already making cut-backs to pay for schoolwear.

* The average cost of a full school uniform and PE kit for secondary school students is £442, while primary school parents can expect to pay £343.
* Uniform banks, similar to foodbanks, provide essentials like uniforms at no cost to families in need.
* Some parents rely on these services due to the high cost of buying new uniforms every year, which can be as much as £100 per child.
* Existing statutory guidance requires schools to consider the cost of their uniform so that it is not a deciding factor for parents when choosing schools.
* The government claims that its new school uniform measures will save parents around £50 per child by reducing the number of branded items required.
* Some parents have expressed concerns about the affordability of uniforms, with one mother stating that she would rather go without food than buy expensive uniforms.
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