A major UK school uniform change is in place from September this year as the government attempts to save parents with school-aged children more money each year
From September, schools across the UK have to follow a strict new uniform rule that has been implemented in an attempt to save parents money.
Starting next month at the beginning of the new school year, most schools will only be permitted to ask parents/carers to buy a maximum of three branded uniform items per child.
The change has been made by the government in order to make school uniforms more affordable.
School uniforms are a hefty expense, with the average cost for primary school pupils totally £350 and £442 for secondary students, although this can massively differ based on what different schools require.
The new rules are applicable to academy schools and trusts, maintained schools, non-maintained special schools, pupil referral units and local authorities.
The new guidelines state that all branded items should be kept to a minimum.
This means that from September 2026:
- schools must limit the number of compulsory branded items of uniform and PE kit to three or fewer
- secondary and middle schools must limit the number of compulsory branded items of uniform and PE kit to four or fewer, if one is a tie
The government website also states that ‘schools should ensure that their uniform supply arrangements give the highest priority to cost and value for money’ in order to stop parents having to make several repurchases.
Despite these changes being part of the Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Act 2021 a survey of 1,000 parents with school-aged children found that 48% had no idea of the new rules, according to advice site Money Wellness.
Even though the plan is in place to help cut costs parents remain divide over how much of a difference they will make.
Around three in five (61%) think limiting branded items will save them money, but 30% are not expecting to see any saving at all.