How to fight the rising cost of school uniforms and save cash
With news that parents and carers are spending on average £422 a year on secondary, and £287 on primary school uniforms every year, we join Natalie Franklin, owner of ReLoved Clothing bank in Hartlepool, and volunteer Kirsty Reed, who provides pre-worn uniforms for free to struggling parents.
According to research by The Children’s Society, which polled 2,000 parents from across the UK in May, the high costs are partly due to the requirement from some schools for branded items which have to be bought from specialist shops rather than supermarkets or high-street chains.
The survey found that on average, pupils were expected to have three branded items, with 29% of secondary school pupils required to own up to five branded items including PE kits, and 13% expected to have as many as seven.
The Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Act received the Government’s backing, and came into force in autumn last year, however this applies to England only.
Under guidance published following the introduction of the Act, schools must make sure second-hand uniforms are available. They are also advised to keep branded uniform items to a minimum and are encouraged to allow more high-street options.
In Northern Ireland, schools are expected to ensure their uniform is available in multiple places rather than from one supplier, and uniform grants are available to some pupils with the criteria similar to qualifying for free school meals.
In Scotland, school clothing grants are available to some pupils and can be applied for through the local council.
In Wales, families can apply for a school essentials grant through their local authority.
But there are some items that you can save money on, and Alice Beer is here to share her top tips on how you can keep uniform costs down.
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Where can I buy cheap school uniforms?
Marks & Spencer, from £7 per multipack
ALDI, from £1.50
Tu at Sainsbury's, from £3
John Lewis, from £3
George at ASDA, from £3
Next, from £7 per multipack
Tesco, from £4