Half of parents don't know school uniform rules are changing, as one in 10 borrow to kit out their children

School uniform is one of those back-to-school costs you simply can't avoid. And if you've got more than one child, the bill can quickly run into hundreds of pounds.

To help ease the pressure, new rules coming into force this September that should help make school uniforms cheaper for many families. But almost half of parents don't even know the changes are happening.

Our research found 48% of parents are unaware that schools in England will soon be limited in how many branded uniform items they can require.

What's changing?

From September 2026, most schools in England will only be able to require up to three branded uniform items per child. Secondary and middle schools may require four if one of those items is a tie.

The aim is to give parents more freedom to shop around and buy lower-cost alternatives from places like supermarkets, rather than being tied to expensive branded suppliers.

Yet despite these changes, only 24% of parents told us they were fully aware of the new rules.

School uniform is still a major expense

Our survey of 1,000 parents with school-age children, carried out by YouGov, shows just how much families are spending:

• 20% spend more than £150 per child on school uniform each year
• 76% spend between £51 and £200 per child

For many families, that's money that isn't sitting in the bank waiting to be spent. It’s money they’re forced to borrow.

Many parents are turning to credit

If you're worried about how you'll afford school uniforms this year, you're not alone.

Nearly one in 10 parents (9%) told us they use a credit card or buy now, pay later to cover the cost, while a further 4% rely on help from family or friends.

Sebrina McCullough, our director of external relations said:

"What's most concerning is that some parents are still having to rely on credit or buy now, pay later just to get their children ready for school. Uniform is an essential cost, but borrowing to pay for it can leave families starting the new school year with debt hanging over them.

That's something our customer Joanne knows all too well.

For years, she put school uniforms on her credit card because there simply wasn't enough money to cover everything at once. Like many parents, she wanted her children to have everything they needed for school, even if it meant carrying debt afterwards.

Will the new rules make a difference?

Many parents think the changes will make a difference.

Our survey shows around 61% believe limiting branded items will save them money. But 30% don't expect to save anything at all.

There's also growing support for schools to reduce branded clothing even further. Just 21% of parents think branded uniform items are necessary, while 38% say they aren't needed at all.

What should you do if you're struggling?

If the cost of school uniform is stretching your budget, try speaking to your child's school before reaching for a credit card or buy now, pay later.

Many schools offer:

• second-hand uniform sales
• hardship support
• advice on lower-cost alternatives

Check if you're eligible for a school uniform grant

Many local councils offer grants towards school uniform costs for families on a low income. Eligibility varies depending on where you live, but you may qualify if you receive benefits such as universal credit.

Visit your local council's website or contact them directly to find out what support is available.

Many national and local charities also offer free or low-cost help with school uniforms across the UK, including:

• The Salvation Army
• Family Fund
• Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust