FTCT continues to support families as back-to-school costs remain a challenge

With the kids breaking up for the summer holidays, September might seem a long way off. But the weeks fly by and before we know it, it will be the beginning of a new school year.

The back-to-school season can be one of the most expensive times of year for families. Between school uniforms, PE kits, stationery, technology and other essentials, the costs can quickly add up.

Earlier this year, we spoke to the Fashion and Textile Children's Trust (FTCT), which provides financial grants and support to families working in the fashion and textile industry who are experiencing hardship, about why spring can put extra pressure on family budgets.

As the new school year approaches, those pressures haven't gone away.

In fact, since April 2026, FTCT has continued to see families needing support with the cost of education essentials.

Between April and July 2026, the charity awarded:

• 94 school uniform bundles
• 15 college clothing grants
• 56 study equipment grants, including laptops, desks and other equipment for homework

With new government measures coming into force this September, there’s some good news for parents.

New school uniform rules from September 2026

From September 2026, schools in England will be required to limit the number of compulsory branded uniform and PE kit items they ask pupils to have.

The changes, introduced through the children's wellbeing and schools bill, are designed to reduce the cost of school uniforms for families.

Under the new rules:

• schools will generally only be able to require three branded uniform items
• secondary and middle schools may require one additional branded item if one of the three items is a branded tie
• Schools are expected to keep branded items to those that are low-cost and long-lasting

The aim is to give parents more freedom to buy affordable uniform from supermarkets and high street retailers rather than being restricted to expensive specialist suppliers.

The government says the reforms should ensure no family is unfairly disadvantaged by excessive uniform requirements.

Why these changes matter

School uniforms can help create a sense of belonging and reduce pressure on children over what they wear.

But they can also place a big financial burden on families.

Government research shows:

• around half of parents are concerned about the cost of school uniforms
• 12% of parents say uniform costs have caused financial hardship

While many schools already keep branded items to a minimum, others have continued to require ten or more branded pieces of uniform, making it difficult for families to shop around for better prices.

Real support for families who need it

For some families, even with lower uniform costs, paying for everything a child needs remains a challenge.

The FTCT supports families working in the UK fashion and textile industry who are struggling financially.

Its grants can help cover the cost of:

• school uniforms
• clothing and footwear
• study essentials
• laptops for homework
• specialist educational equipment

To qualify, applicants must be the parent or carer of a child under 18 and work, or have worked, in the UK fashion or textile industry.

Anna Pangbourne, CEO of FTCT, says the charity sees first-hand the pressure families face every year.

“Our parent surveys consistently reveal how stressful families find the cost of uniform and study essentials at the start of term and throughout the year, so anything the government and school can do to reduce the financial impact on parents would undoubtedly help.”

Supporting Kyra with her sixth form transition

The impact of financial support can be life changing.

When Kyra was preparing to start sixth form, her family struggling to afford the clothing and the equipment she needed to continue her education.

Kyra’s mum, Magdalena, works in fashion retail and found out about the FTCT through her manager at work and decided to apply. The family received a back-to-school grant which helped cover essential items, easing the financial pressure and allowing Kyra to begin the next stage of her education with confidence.

"As a single mum on low income I have been struggling recently. The cost of living crisis was still impacting us and with a few debts, it’s been hard," she told FTCT. 

"At the time, my daughter was due to start sixth form and she needed a laptop for her homework. She was always doing her homework on the phone or in the library. She also needed new bedroom furniture as everything she had was getting old.  

Check what help you could receive

If you're worried about the cost of the new school year, it's worth checking what support is available.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for:

• school uniform, PE kit and shoes
• general clothing
• school bags, stationery and books
• equipment for courses
• a laptop for homework, if your child is in secondary school and doesn’t have one
• specialist tools for children with additional needs

In some cases, you can also get help with essentials at home, like furniture, sensory equipment, appliances or therapy support.

Even if you haven't needed help before, rising living costs mean more families are now eligible for support than they might expect.

Starting a new school year should be exciting, not overshadowed by financial worries. With new uniform rules coming into force and charities such as FTCT continuing to provide practical support, there are more ways than ever for families to get the help they need.