Millions of pupils across England could soon experience changes in their school uniform requirements, under new government proposals aimed at reducing costs for families.
The planned reforms, part of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, seek to restrict the number of compulsory branded items schools can demand, potentially saving parents significant sums each year.
The Department for Education (DfE) estimates that the changes will affect over four million students, with around 70% of secondary schools and 35% of primary schools expected to alter their uniform policies.
While the government champions the move as a cost-cutting measure, some schoolwear manufacturers and parents have raised concerns about the wider impact on quality, equality, and compliance.
Government Plans Aim to Reduce Financial Pressure on Families
The proposed measures, outlined in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, stipulate that schools may require no more than three compulsory branded items, alongside a branded tie for secondary school pupils.
According to the DfE, the current average cost of a full secondary school uniform and PE kit stands at £442, while for primary school pupils it is approximately £343.
The government projects an average saving of £50 per child following the reforms, with the new rules potentially coming into effect from September 2026. Existing statutory guidance already obliges schools to consider the affordability of uniforms when setting their policies.
However, the current administration intends to strengthen this by limiting schools’ ability to insist on exclusive suppliers and expensive branded items.
Matt Perry, head teacher at The Halifax Academy in West Yorkshire, highlighted that while a sense of pride can stem from branded attire, overly rigid uniform policies risk becoming barriers to attendance, particularly in areas of high deprivation. His school has already introduced initiatives such as free ties and a uniform bank to support struggling families.
Concerns Raised Over Quality and Long-Term Costs
While many parents and campaigners welcome the proposed changes, uniform retailers and the Schoolwear Association have voiced warnings.
According to the association, generic, non-branded garments sourced from supermarkets and high-street retailers may not offer the same durability as their branded counterparts, potentially leading to higher replacement costs for families in the long run.
Parents, particularly those with multiple children, have also expressed mixed feelings. One mother from Darlington noted that stringent requirements for specific styles and colours at her children‘s schools continue to impose significant financial strain, irrespective of branding limitations.
Exchanges like the one organised by Darlington Borough Council, which has distributed approximately 12,000 donated items to 4,000 families over five years, remain vital lifelines for many.
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill is scheduled for its second reading in the House of Lords later this week, where further scrutiny and debate will determine its path forward.
