'I always put school uniforms on my credit card': Mum hopes new rules will ease the pressure on families

For Joanne, buying school uniform has never been just another item on the back-to-school checklist.

The administrator from Manchester budgets around £500 every year to kit out her two children, aged 11 and 13, for secondary school. Around £120 of that goes on compulsory branded items alone.

Her experience reflects what we've heard in our recent conversations with the Fashion and Textile Children's Trust (FTCT), that back-to-school costs continue to put significant financial pressure on families, with many parents making difficult choices just to ensure their children have everything they need for the new school year.

Like many parents, Joanne does everything she can to keep costs down.

"Prices increase but you can choose to buy trousers elsewhere from supermarkets that don't have to be branded. I try to shop around but prices everywhere have increased."

And the cost has a knock-on effect on her household budget.

"I now have two children in high school and the budget will impact us for the first couple of months. It will be bought but it means we may have to strip back on some items within the holiday period."

The sacrifices don't go unnoticed by her children.

"Within the six weeks' holiday and purchasing uniforms there will be cut backs. The kids will be disappointed when I have to say no to other things they may want."

When essential costs end up on a credit card

Before contacting Money Wellness, Joanne often relied on credit cards and store cards to cover the cost of school uniforms.

"Before advice from Money Wellness, I would always use credit cards and store cards to be able to purchase the uniforms and pay back over time."

Joanne's financial difficulties began after the death of a close family member. She used credit cards to cover funeral costs and, when introductory interest rates came to an end, the repayments became unmanageable. She later took out loans to consolidate the credit card debt and pay for essential car repairs, but the financial pressure continued to grow.

By the time Joanne was referred to Money Wellness by Lloyds Banking Group in June 2025, she had been off work sick for five months and was facing increasing pressure from creditors.

Our advisers carried out a full income and expenditure assessment, helped Joanne create a realistic household budget and recommended a suitable debt solution. We also negotiated with her creditors to reduce her monthly repayments to an affordable level.

Looking back, Joanne says school uniform became another essential expense she simply couldn't afford to pay for outright.

"I have on occasions waited to purchase the uniforms in a worry of a growth spurt then what I have bought early won't fit. But then came into financial difficulties to then buy everything and pay all the bills which has resulted in using credit cards."

New rules are coming – but will they go far enough?

From 1 September 2026, schools in England will only be able to require parents to buy a maximum of three branded uniform items.

Joanne welcomes the changes but believes schools should go a step further by making it clear which items really need to be branded.

"Rather than say three items just say blazer, tie and PE top. Everything else would be the same."

She also believes many parents feel they have little choice but to buy every branded item because of the social pressures children face.

"Children get bullied if they don't have the correct makes for senior school."

She hopes the new rules will eventually help remove some of that stigma.

"I hope the changes with three items of branded uniform becomes the norm rather than it looking like a poverty scenario."

For Joanne, one branded item stands above the rest.

"The blazer is the one thing everybody sees when commuting to school. This seems like the most important part of the advertisement of the school. Is anything else really necessary?"

Support is available if you're struggling

If the cost of school uniforms is stretching your budget, you're not alone. There are several sources of support that could help.

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.

Speak to your child's school

Schools have a legal duty to ensure their uniform policies are affordable and don't act as a barrier to education. Many schools offer second-hand uniform sales, hardship support or flexibility around certain items.

If you're worried about the cost of uniforms, PE kits or school shoes, don't be afraid to speak to your child's school. Support is often available, but many parents don't realise they can ask.

Support for fashion and textile workers

If you work, or have previously worked, in the UK fashion or textile industry, the Fashion and Textile Children's Trust (FTCT) may be able to help.

The charity provides grants to families struggling with the cost of raising children, including help towards:

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

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

Visit your local charity shops

It could also be a good idea to check out local charity shops. Many charity shops regularly stock affordable school basics thanks to donations from families and retailers. And Salvation Army is even giving away more than 30,000 school uniform items this summer.

If debt is becoming part of the back-to-school routine, talk to us

If you're relying on credit cards, buy now, pay later or loans to cover everyday essentials like school uniforms, it could be a sign that your finances are under pressure.

At Money Wellness, we provide free, confidential debt advice and practical support to help you understand your options. Whether you need help creating a realistic budget, dealing with creditors or finding a long-term solution to your debts, our expert advisers are here to help.

No one should have to choose between giving their child what they need for school and keeping up with household bills. If you're worried about your finances, getting advice early can make all the difference.

Image: Joanne