All UK schools to introduce new uniform rule from September | UK | News
Families across the UK will see a major change to school uniform rules from September, with all state schools required by law to limit the number of branded uniform items. The new requirement forms part of the government’s Child Welfare and Schools Bill, which became law on April 29, and is designed to help reduce the cost of sending children to school. Under new legislation, state-funded schools will be allowed to require up to three brands of uniforms for primary school students.
Secondary schools may request up to four branded items, provided that one of the items exempt from the three-item limit is a tie. Ministers said the wider reform package could save some families as much as £1,000 a year through a combination of cheaper uniforms, expanded free school meals and more free breakfast clubs.
More than 2,000 free breakfast clubs are expected to be operating across England by September, while an additional 500,000 children will be eligible for free school meals.
The cost of a school uniform should never prevent parents from choosing the school they want for their child, the Department for Education has said.
By reducing the number of essential branded products, the government hopes to ease financial pressure on households during ongoing cost of living challenges.
Education Minister Bridget Phillipson said of the new legislation: “This landmark legislation fixes the foundations in our schools, puts money back into parents’ pockets and delivers critical new protections for our most vulnerable children.
“This government is already taking steps to cut the link between history and success, from removing the two-child limit with SEND to transforming the life chances of children.
“These new laws are another important milestone in our mission to ensure that every child – no matter where they grow up and go to school – has the opportunity to succeed.”
Frank Young, Chief Executive of Parentkind, also said: “Millions of parents are struggling with additional school costs such as expensive school uniform. Rising costs are straining everyone, but there are school costs that parents have no choice but to pay. The legislation will make a difference for these parents by addressing living costs and placing limits on expensive uniform items. This will help struggling parents, including many on middle incomes.
“Free breakfast clubs and cheaper uniforms will help parents and tackle some of the extra costs that make life more difficult for parents. Opening more breakfast clubs will help parents keep their jobs and send their children to school.”
