School uniform costs hit families, say charities

Charities in Sussex have warned new school uniform costs could add financial pressure on struggling families.

This is despite new rules limiting the number of branded items state schools can require , which the government says will save parents money.

Children's charity Pelican Parcels, in Brighton and Hove, said it was set to double its school uniform support by the end of 2026 in response to "rising local demand".

"Every child deserves to start the school year feeling confident, with school uniform and shoes that fit properly," said head of operations Elaine Bailey. "For many families, the cost of uniform can be overwhelming."

The charity, which provides school uniforms, PE kits and supplies, said it gave more than 3,400 items to 520 children across 12 schools last year.

It is seeking donations of good-quality, unbranded uniform items, including polo shirts, pinafores and PE shorts.

Elsewhere, Horsham Matters, a charity in West Sussex, estimates that every school year, parents spend £336 on kitting out children for primary school, rising to £439 for secondary school.

Its chief executive Kelvin Glen said: "Nobody wants to send their child into a new classroom without everything they need to learn effectively.

"There is copious evidence that poverty during school years has a lasting impact on children's educational attainment and life chances."

The government policy, which came into effect from 1 September, restricts mandatory uniform items with school logos to three for primary schools and four for secondary schools, with the latter including ties.

Charlie Milner-Smith, in Worthing, said he had seen school items become more expensive with his son moving up a year at school.

"School shoes are definitely a lot more than they have been and kids grow out of them quickly – it's not just a one-off purchase," he said.

He sees the new rules as a good thing: "It stops you having to keep up with trends and makes sure your kids can just wear more generic things."

Steph Savage, from Surrey, can see the new rules helping with costs for her two children.