Parents going without meals to afford school uniforms – here’s where to get help

As the new school year approaches, many families are facing impossible choices just to make sure their children have the right uniform.   

A recent survey by the parenting charity Parentkind found that nearly half of parents (47%) are worried about the cost of school uniforms.  

With many schools requiring multiple branded items from specific suppliers, the cost of a full uniform can be more than £400 per child, especially when PE kits and accessories are included.  

The financial pressure is so intense that more than a quarter of parents (29%) admitted skipping meals or heating their homes to cover the cost. 

Parents going into debt for uniforms  

According to Parentkind’s survey of 2,000 parents: 

• 45% planned to use credit cards to cover uniform costs. 

• 34% said they’d rely on buy-now-pay-later services. 

• Many reported falling behind on essential bills, just to make sure their child could attend school properly dressed. 

Help is coming – but not soon enough 

In an effort to make uniforms more affordable, the government will introduce new rules in September 2026 that limit schools to a maximum of three branded items, plus a tie.  

This change could save families around £50 per child, but for many struggling parents, help is needed now. 

Most councils offer no help  

Despite the rising costs, only 22 out of 153 local education authorities (LEAs) in England are offering a dedicated school uniform grant this year, according to Money Wellness research. 

The following councils currently offer help: 

• Barnet 

• Barnsley 

• Bolton 

• City of London 

• Cumberland 

• East Riding of Yorkshire 

• Greenwich 

• Hackney 

• Hammersmith & Fulham 

• Haringey 

• Hounslow 

• Islington 

• Hull 

• North Lincolnshire 

• Rotherham 

• Sandwell 

• Southwark 

• Tower Hamlets 

• Wandsworth 

• Westmorland & Furness 

• Westminster 

• York 

And these offer support only in exceptional circumstances: 

• Bexley 

• Essex 

• Lancashire 

• Nottinghamshire 

• Redbridge 

• South Gloucestershire 

• Southend-on-Sea 

If your area isn’t listed above, including major cities like Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool, it’s likely that no formal school uniform support is available from your council. 

That leaves many families turning to credit and falling into debt, or going without essentials, just to send their children to school. 

“The start of the school year should be an exciting time for children, not a financial burden for families who are already stressed about making ends meet,” said Adam Rolfe, policy and public affairs officer at Money Wellness. 

“Although the government has announced plans to cap the number of branded school uniform items from September 2026 - a move Labour says could save families around £50 per child - this won’t help parents facing costs now,” he added.  

“And for many low-income households, even with such savings, uniforms will remain unaffordable without proper support.” 

Tips to reduce school uniform costs 

If you're feeling the pinch, there are ways to make uniform shopping more manageable. 

Time your shopping right 

Kids grow fast. Buy essentials early if there’s a deal, but hold off on shoes, trousers or skirts until closer to term time to avoid outgrowing items before school starts. 

Avoid buying everything new 

If last year’s uniform still fits and is in good condition, reuse it. Just top up what’s needed rather than starting from scratch. 

Size up 

Buying a size bigger can make uniforms last longer through growth spurts. 

Shop second-hand 

Platforms like Vinted, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace often have nearly-new or even brand-new uniforms at a fraction of the price.  

Ask friends or family with older kids too, as many will be happy to hand down items. 

Look out for supermarket deals 

Supermarkets like Aldi often run summer sales. Aldi’s current offer includes a bundle for just £5, with individual items from £1.50. Though stock sells out quickly, so don’t delay.  

Check local uniform exchanges 

Many schools and community groups offer free or low-cost second-hand uniforms. Check your school’s website or ask your PTA. Local Facebook groups can also be a good resource. 

See if you qualify for a grant 

If your child gets free school meals and you receive certain benefits, you may be eligible for a uniform grant of up to £200. Qualifying benefits include: 

• child tax credit 

• income support 

• universal credit 

• working tax credit 

• pension credit (guaranteed element) 

• income-based job seeker’s allowance 

• income-related employment and support allowance 

• support under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 

To check eligibility, visit your local council’s website or give them a call. 

Speak to your child’s school 

Schools are legally required to ensure that uniforms are affordable and not a barrier to learning. Many offer second-hand options or have policies to support families who are struggling. If you're finding it hard to afford PE kits, shoes or uniform, speak to your child’s headteacher directly. 

If you're feeling the pressure, remember that help is out there and even small changes to how and where you shop can make a big difference.