The Rising Cost of School Uniforms in the UK: An Unaffordable Necessity

04 September 2023

It’s that time of year in England when social media news feeds are filled with pictures of children standing by their front doors wearing their school uniform as they head back to school. But those uniforms have been causing me concerns.

Earlier in the summer, I read this BBC news article about Parent’s giving up their family holiday, due the need to save for school uniform costs. This article reports that parents are spending approximately £422 on Secondary, and £287 on Primary uniforms – not including branded items which cost more. As mum to three children, the rising cost of school uniforms has not escaped me.

I’m lucky in that my eldest has now left school and my middle child is entering 6th form with no uniform, leaving me to fund the youngest’s uniform costs. He’s embarking on his final year at primary school so next summer I fear we’ll be facing a big bill, with new ‘everything’ required. On an ongoing basis he’s likely to need regular replacements for ‘lost’ or grown out of items, so this won’t be a one-off cost and will need budgeting for annually.

The most likely choice for his secondary school has just updated their uniform policy and I have already complained twice (last year and this) as I don’t think the school is reflecting the new law to protect parents from unnecessary school uniform costs, that came into effect last September.

The new regulations aim to make uniforms affordable for all, requiring branding to be kept to a minimum, although it’s not banned so some children will continue to wear branded items for example school blazers. These items are typically only available from one specialist store, who without competition are able to set prices as they like.

In the UK, School uniforms have been a long-standing tradition embodying a sense of unity and discipline among students. However, over the years, a concerning trend is emerging - the increasing unaffordability of school uniforms.

What was once considered a cost-effective way of ensuring equality and cohesion has now become a financial burden, and particularly at secondary level. In this blog, we will explore the factors contributing to the rising cost of school uniforms in the UK and consider potential solutions to help address the issue.

Is the landscape changing for School Uniforms?

Traditionally, school uniforms were designed to promote equality and prevent peer pressure based on clothing choices. Yet, over time, the cost of uniforms has been on the rise, making it difficult for many families to provide their children with the basic required attire. The rising cost includes not only basic uniforms but also branded items, accessories, and specific dress codes that schools enforce. The pandemic and cost-of-living crisis has firmly focussed attention on rising uniform costs.

What are the key factors making school uniforms unaffordable?

There are a number of factors contributing to the escalating cost of school uniforms in the UK:

Exclusive Suppliers: Many schools have contracts with specific uniform suppliers, limiting choices and competition. This lack of competition allows suppliers to set higher prices without fear of losing business.

Branding and Logos: Some schools insist on branded items with school logos, which are more expensive than generic alternatives. This requirement significantly adds to the overall cost of the uniform. Our primary school allows children to wear branded or non-branded items, yet our secondary school insists some items e.g., Blazers, ties and blouses for girls if worn without a tie alongside a branded school skirt for girls. In addition, the P.E. kit requires branded polo shirt, branded shorts or skort. Optional layers are also available – mid-layers and leggings / tracksuit bottoms. If the children wish to wear additional layers – they must be branded. In the middle of a cold winter, these items don’t seem very optional!

Colour choices: Whilst some items are not branded, some schools are guilty of choosing colours that are very specific and not widely available. Again, our high school has opted for a specific Team colour which can’t be found anywhere locally other than the nominated school uniform supplier shop. When selecting colours such as brown, green or teal, schools are selecting colours which are not so widely available and therefore are typically more expensive than red, navy blue, black and grey options.

Change in Policies: Some schools have introduced stricter uniform policies, requiring students to have multiple sets of specific attire, such as gym kits and team uniforms for sports such as hockey, netball et al. This additional need can put huge additional financial strain on families.

Quality Standards: While durable uniforms are essential, some schools have raised quality standards to the point where uniforms become more expensive than necessary.

Growth of Online Platforms: Online platforms for buying uniforms might offer convenience, but often introduce additional extra costs for delivery, and as you can’t try before you buy, there’s the added cost to return items which did not fit, as well as rarely offered discounted opportunities at any time of the year.

Durability: Children work and play hard in their uniforms and so they undertake a fair pounding. Knees and elbows tear and school shoes get scuffed, leading to in year replacements being required.

Kids are kids: I don’t think I’m the only parent of a child who loses uniform with great regularity. My son was really conscious of looking after his uniform so at break he’d take his jumper off to play football on the field, so it didn’t get too muddy or torn. Only trouble was he left them at the side of the field or in a corridor and they were never seen again despite having his name in them. When kids get caught up in an activity, managing their belongings goes by the wayside.

So, what are the consequences of uniform unaffordability?

Whilst schools may feel their uniform policies offer many benefits to students, we want to look at the impact at what the rising cost of school uniforms has as a negative consequence on students, families, and the education system.

It’s reported that 50% of UK households can’t afford an unexpected bill of approximately £300, which is roughly the cost of a set of school uniform. Whilst the cost is expected, and many families budget for it all year round, the expense typically hits at one time of year, as the children return to school. For families with multiple school age children this can be a frightening figure to spend in one go.

Families already struggling with their finances are burdened by the additional cost of uniforms, leading to stress and potential sacrifices in other areas. As discussed in the BBC News Article, families should not be having to sacrifice important quality time together to fund a school uniform, which, won’t last the full school year due to how quickly most children change and grow.

At secondary school, students who cannot afford the required uniforms might face exclusion or bullying from peers due to their appearance. I won’t discuss the long-term impact of exclusion from school and the impact on future vulnerability in this blog, that’s for another day.

Financial constraints related to uniforms can hinder access to education, as families may not be able to enrol children to certain schools due to the high costs associated with the approved uniform lists.

The original intention of uniforms was to promote equality. However, we seem to be in a position now where it’s an unattainable dream.

So how do we solve this challenge of unaffordability?

Ideally schools, parents , guardians and local communities will come and work together to resolve this problem.

Under law, State Schools are now obliged to remove unnecessary branded items from school uniform to allow for a range of affordable options, including allowing generic items from the well-priced ranges in Supermarkets such as Asda and Tesco, for example.

In addition, schools, villages, and even local Churches can organise and promote second hand uniform sales throughout the school year, but this will rely on uniforms remaining unchanged for a number of years. Many schools use these sales as an opportunity for fundraising for the school meaning that all items are paid for. An option to buy or exchange items in good condition could also be available allowing parents to size-up as their children grow at minimal or no cost.

Encouraging competition among uniform suppliers and promoting more local suppliers could lead to more reasonable prices all round by removing the monopoly position.

Communities, and government programs to offer financial assistance to families in need to cover the costs of uniforms.

And, most importantly, Schools should involve parents, students, and communities in discussions about uniform policies and costs to ensure decisions reflect the needs of the majority.

Final thoughts

The rising cost of school uniforms in the UK is a real concern that goes beyond clothing expenses. It touches on matters of equality, education access, and the overall well-being of families. When parents are taking on second jobs or giving up their family holidays, they’re losing quality time with their children and facing increased stress and worry.

By reevaluating uniform policies, promoting competition, and offering financial assistance, we can work towards making school uniforms more affordable and ensuring that every child can receive an education without the burden of unnecessary financial strain and creating vulnerabilities.

I for one will keep challenging my local school when uniform changes and branded items are unnecessarily required, will you?