High Cost Of School Uniforms Burdens Families In South East

A new survey by The Children’s Society indicates that almost two thirds of parents with children in school in the South East find the cost of school uniforms prohibitive.

That's despite legislative efforts to make them more affordable.

In a poll involving 2,000 UK parents, it has emerged that the expense of school uniforms continues to impose a significant financial burden with families shelling out hundreds of pounds annually. 

This is particularly an issue for uniforms requiring branded items, which are often only available from specialist suppliers, rather than the more affordable unbranded uniform options.

The 2022 legislation aimed to bring down these costs by enforcing more budget-friendly uniform policies in schools, including the promotion of second-hand options and limiting exclusive single-supplier contracts.

However, the Children’s Society’s poll reveals two years later that when parents were asked if their child’s school had changed their uniform policy in the last two years 63% said ‘no, they hadn’t’.

Indeed, over half of secondary school parents must purchase at least three school logo branded items. 

Meanwhile, primary school parents are not far behind, with a significant number facing similar demands.

Mark Russell, CEO at The Children’s Society said:

"For the last two years the high cost of living has put families under intense financial strain, so it is no wonder parents are feeling the pinch and are quite rightly fed up with having to pay more than they need to for their children’s school uniform.

“We know many schools have made some positive and commendable changes to their policies and more schools than ever are offering second hand uniform options which are better for the environment as well as family budgets. We also welcome the Government’s new proposals to limit branded items and tighten up the legislation on uniform as we can see from our poll that there is much more to do on this, with many families still having to fork out hundreds of pounds each year.

“We believe school uniform can have real benefits for children and if any parents are struggling with the affordability of uniforms, we urge them to contact their school and the school governors.”

Emily Cross, Regional Retail Manager for the South East, said:

“Over the summer months there is a huge demand for school uniform in our charity shops, especially at the end of the summer before schools go back. We know that school uniform can become really expensive, especially for those with multiple children at school so we often get parents coming to our shops to find second hand uniform. If anyone has any uniform they’d like to donate please do drop it off at their local The Children’s Society charity shop”.

A parent said:

"Luckily this year I only have one set of school uniform to buy, but all the compulsory kit - blazer, skirt, tie, new PE kit, and multiple shirts—totals £149.20. That doesn't even begin to include school shoes, a new school bag, and let's not start on stationery! Five years ago,  I would have had to buy all of that x4 when all four children were in school.  I don’t know how I would afford all that nowadays.”

The Children’s Society found a third of parents of secondary school children (33%) and one in ten parents of primary age children are expected to buy four or more branded items of uniform for their child.

In 2023, The Children’s Society found parents and carers of secondary school children were paying on average £422 per year on uniform, and around £287 for primary school children.

As part of its efforts to address broader challenges faced by teenagers, The Children's Society is also launching a new online brand campaign this summer. The campaign highlights the often-overlooked needs of teenagers who face life challenges, including mental health issues, poverty, and risk of exploitation.

"This campaign is centred around the fact that teenagers are still children, too, and we must help deliver the support they need before they reach crisis point, if we want them to face a hopeful future," added Mark Russell, CEO at The Children’s Society.