Key facts
- New regulations in England will limit compulsory branded school uniform items to three, plus a tie for secondary schools.
- The government estimates these changes could save families up to £50 per child.
- Schools are advised to keep branded items to a minimum, with about a quarter needing to make changes by September.
- Some schools are already compliant or have phased in changes, while others still require multiple branded items from specific suppliers.
- The Schoolwear Association warns that the new rules might increase costs for some families and reduce school inequality.
A new law in England, effective from September, aims to reduce the cost of school uniforms for parents by limiting the number of compulsory items that feature a school logo. Under the new regulations, schools will be permitted to require a maximum of three branded items, such as blazers, jumpers, or sportswear, with an additional tie for secondary school students. The government anticipates this change will save families up to £50 per child.
Many schools already adhere to similar guidelines, but approximately a quarter will need to revise their uniform policies to comply with the new law. Co-op Academy Belle Vue in Manchester is one such school, planning to reduce its compulsory branded items from seven to three, plus a tie. This change is expected to significantly lower the cost for parents, with an estimated saving of over £40 for the current year.
However, the implementation of these rules has led to varied outcomes and frustrations. While some parents, like Linda Ubawike, have experienced substantial savings, others, such as Lorraine from London, are still facing high costs due to schools requiring multiple branded items and mandating purchases from specific suppliers. This inconsistency has led to criticism that the changes do not address the core issue of affordability for all families.
The Schoolwear Association has raised concerns that the new regulations could inadvertently increase costs for some parents if lower-quality generic garments need frequent replacement compared to durable branded items. They also suggest that branded uniforms contribute to reducing inequality and improving school behaviour, which might be undermined by the new rules. Retailers are also facing uncertainty regarding demand for this year's uniform orders.
In contrast, some schools, like King's Oak Academy in Bristol, have already adopted more flexible uniform policies, requiring only one or two branded items, making the new regulations less impactful. Broadhurst Primary in North Manchester also has minimal branded items, resulting in very low uniform costs. The Department for Education has stated it is supporting schools to further reduce uniform costs and that second-hand uniform options must be made available.