A single mother from Leeds has warned that many families are struggling to afford school uniforms as the cost of living crisis deepens. Amina Weston, who has seven children and 14 grandchildren, said parents are dreading their children outgrowing clothes because they cannot afford replacements.
Ms Weston told i that her 15-year-old son Esau grew from a size seven to size 11 shoe in just a year, forcing her to pay adult prices. 'He had to manage for a few weeks in smaller shoes until I could afford to buy him some more,' she said. 'It is heartbreaking how many children squeeze their feet into ill-fitting shoes because their parents don’t have the money to buy new ones.'
After learning that uncollected lost property at a local school was thrown away, Ms Weston’s daughter set up a uniform recycling scheme in Leeds. The initiative collects unwanted uniforms, washes them, and distributes them to families in need via Facebook and leaflets.
Kate France, founder of Uniform Exchange in Kirklees, West Yorkshire, said demand for such schemes is soaring. In 2021, her charity helped 3,500 children—a 77% increase on the previous year. 'Many people’s energy bills have gone up by about £400—that’s the cost of a full school uniform for a high school child,' she said.
Ms France added that rising energy and food prices mean more families are struggling. 'We’re not just here for families on benefits; we’re here for families who can no longer balance the household purse,' she said. The charity collects uniforms from community boxes, then washes, repairs, and donates them.
