New rules limiting school uniforms to a maximum of three compulsory branded items come into force in England from September 1, 2026. The legislation applies to state-funded schools and includes a tie for secondary schools as an additional permitted item.
Government says families could save £50 per child
The government says the changes will save some families “up to £50 per child”. However, schoolwear suppliers say they now face uncertainty in demand for this year’s uniforms.
Appearing on Times Radio, presenter Rosie Wright said: “The new legislation means from this week, schools can only insist on three branded items for each pupil. For each pupil, the uniform industry says it’s unwise. Parents might wonder if the rules go far enough.”
Former MP voices concerns over school identity
Former MP Paul Scully said he had concerns about how school logos and branded uniforms give a sense of belonging. He said: “I think there is value in uniform. It gives the school a sense of community. It gives a sense of common purpose. I know what you’re talking about cost, but it does have a level playing field because if it’s a bit of more of a free-for-all, then there will still be a bigger gap.”
He voiced concerns over sports teams especially: “You’re risking having a bigger gap between the haves and haves not, especially on the sports pitch where you can’t brand stuff. I’m not quite sure how you run school teams without some sense of all having the same top like you would in any other any other team.
“My wife runs a successful prep school in Notting Hill and they get excellent results and they have polo style shirts, so they don’t necessarily have the tie and all the formal uniform, but they always talk about having you 'it’s better to have a tidy mind rather than a tidy body'. Focus on that. Make sure that great education will come from making sure that teachers can focus on delivering great teaching. rather than why are you wearing this and arbitrating between different styles.”
Teachers' union and suppliers weigh in
Listener Jenny told the show that ‘school uniforms are vital to create a feeling of community, eliminate competitive situations, fashion trends, and nearly all schools have secondhand uniforms.’
The teachers’ union, the Association of School and College Leaders, says the actual difference in cost is likely to be marginal for most families. Its general secretary, Pepe Di’Iasio, said schools are already trying to balance the cost to parents with maintaining a sense of identity. He says it’s also important to keep expensive fashion brands out so no one feels excluded.
The Schoolwear Association says the plans could mean parents spend more on replacing lower-quality generic garments, which might not last as long as branded ones. Chair Matthew Easter says it will also create “division” in schools, because branded uniforms help to reduce inequality and improve behaviour. He said some suppliers are also finding it harder to plan this year as it is not clear how many parents will want the optional branded items.
A spokesperson for the Department for Education said some families would save “up to £50 per child” due to the changes, and that it is supporting schools to take more steps to bring down the cost of individual items.
