Thu, 28 Aug 2025

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 '£150 for school uniform is money I don't really have'

Two in five parents in the South East say they struggle to afford school uniform, a new poll says.

* Parents say a school uniform recycling programme has been a "lifesaver" as they face paying hundreds to kit out their children for the start of term.
* 41% of parents in the South East struggle to afford mandatory uniforms, according to a poll by The Children's Society.
* Some families are forced to choose between food and clothing due to financial constraints.
* A limit on branded school uniform items is set to be enforced from 2026/27 to give families more freedom.
* Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said schools can help ease the pressure on families by reducing the number of branded items required.
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