Plans to revamp school uniform policies could soon affect more than four million pupils across England, according to the latest estimates from the Department for Education (DfE).
Under the proposed changes, secondary schools will be required to limit compulsory branded items to just three, plus a branded tie. Primary schools will also have to reduce their branded requirements, with around 35% expected to be impacted.
This move forms part of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which still faces several hurdles before it can become law.
Families to Save – Or Spend More?
Government officials argue the new rules will ease the financial burden on parents. By reducing the number of mandatory branded items, families could save approximately £50 per child when the measures are rolled out in September 2026.
Currently, the average cost of a full uniform and PE kit stands at £442 for a secondary school student and £343 for a primary school pupil, according to DfE data.
However, not everyone is convinced. School wear manufacturers and retailers have raised concerns that the reforms could inadvertently increase costs.
The Schoolwear Association warns that families might have to replace generic, lower-quality garments more frequently, potentially spending more in the long term. “Branded uniforms also play a role in reducing inequality in schools and improving behaviour,” the association said.
Uniform exchanges are already proving essential for many families struggling with school costs.
In Darlington, the Borough Council’s uniform exchange, tucked inside a multi-storey car park, has been a lifeline. Running for five years, the exchange has distributed around 12,000 items to 4,000 local customers.
Volunteer Kay shared her concerns: “Some of the schools are particular about a certain skirt, a certain style from a certain supplier – so that can cause problems and be quite expensive for parents.”
Nonetheless, she welcomed the possibility that more parents might be able to shop at supermarkets and high-street retailers, saying it would give families greater choice and flexibility.
On the ground, parents are feeling the strain. In Darlington town centre, one mother, with two sons in primary school and a daughter in secondary school, voiced her frustrations.
“It’s just a nightmare,” she said. “My daughter’s school is really strict on the uniform. You can’t get black trousers, it’s got to be grey, or pleated skirts. For their shoes alone, I’m looking at £60 a year, and there are three of them. That’s not including blazers, PE kits or anything else. It’s a lot of money when it all adds up.”
Some schools are already taking steps to ease the financial load. Matt Perry, head teacher at The Halifax Academy in West Yorkshire, explained his school’s approach. They currently supply free ties to pupils, while only a blazer and parts of the PE kit are compulsory branded items.
If the new branding limits come into force, the school is prepared to adapt further. Located in a high-deprivation area, The Halifax Academy also operates a uniform bank and a laundrette for families in need.
Mr Perry said: “Branded school uniform can bring a sense of pride and inclusion, but tough uniform policies can be a barrier to attendance. There are so many different factors that children have to face in order to have a clean and correct uniform that is used daily.”
He added: “As long as we see the families really trying to adhere to the uniform policy that we’ve got, we can be flexible with how we interpret that. So if it is in the right colours but it’s not branded, that doesn’t matter to us.”
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill is scheduled for its second reading in the House of Lords later this week.
If passed, the reforms could mark a significant shift in how schools across England manage uniform policies, aiming for a balance between tradition, equality, and affordability.
