From September, all state schools in England will be legally required to limit branded uniform items, a move that could save families up to £1,000 per year. The new rule, part of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act which became law on April 29, caps branded items at three for primary schools and four for secondary schools, with ties exempt from the limit.
Government Aims to Reduce School Costs
The legislation is designed to ease financial pressures on households amid ongoing cost of living challenges. Under the new law, primary schools can require a maximum of three branded items, while secondary schools can require up to four, provided one is a tie. The Department for Education stated that the cost of school uniform should never prevent parents from choosing the school they want for their child.
Wider Reforms Include Free Breakfast Clubs and Meals
Ministers said the wider package of reforms could save some families as much as £1,000 a year through cheaper uniforms, expanded free school meals, and more free breakfast clubs. By September, more than 2,000 free breakfast clubs are expected to operate across England, and eligibility for free school meals will expand to an additional 500,000 children.
Education Secretary Welcomes Landmark Legislation
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: "This landmark legislation fixes the foundations in our schools, puts money back into parents’ pockets, and provides critical new protections for our most vulnerable children. From lifting the two-child limit to transforming the life chances of children with SEND, this government is already making strides to cut the link between background and success. These new laws are another major milestone in our mission to make sure every child – wherever they grow up and go to school – has the opportunity to succeed."
Parentkind Chief Executive Praises Act
Frank Young, Chief Executive of Parentkind, commented: "Millions of parents are struggling with added school costs like expensive school uniform. Rising costs are hitting everyone hard, but parents have school costs they have no option but to pay. The Act will make a difference to these parents by tackling the cost of living and putting limits on expensive uniform items. This will help struggling parents, including many on middle incomes too. Free breakfast clubs and cheaper uniforms will help parents and tackle some of the extra costs that make life more difficult for parents. Getting more breakfast clubs going helps parents to hold down a job and get kids to school."
Schools Must Update Policies Ahead of New Academic Year
Schools will need to update their uniform policies ahead of the new academic year to comply with the new legal requirements. The government expects that reducing the number of compulsory branded items will significantly lower the financial burden on families, particularly those with multiple children.
