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Mon, 10 Aug 2026

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 New school uniform rules won't cut costs, says mum

Michaela Wilson says she has "no idea why schools don't just sell iron-on branded badges".

* A new law in England limits schools to three branded items of uniform, plus a tie, in an effort to reduce costs.
* Michaela Wilson, founder of a school uniform exchange project in Colne, Lancashire, is not convinced the law will be effective and suggests selling iron-on badges as a simpler solution.
* The average total expenditure on school uniform is around £250 per child, with PE kit costing approximately £140.
* Wilson's project allows families to borrow and reuse school uniform items for free, reducing waste and saving parents money.
* She estimates that the new law will not significantly reduce costs for parents, as children will still want to match their friends' uniforms.
* The Department of Education claims that some families will save up to £50 per child under the new rules.