Cheaper school uniforms planned for millions of pupils

Kitting your child out with a full school uniform, including PE gear, can seriously add up.

What’s happening?  

The government is planning to make school uniforms cheaper for millions of families in England. As part of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, new rules are set to reduce the number of branded items schools can require. 

According to the Department for Education (DfE), the move could save around four million pupils around £50 a year. 

When will it start?  

The aim is to bring these changes in from September 2026.  

How much do uniforms currently cost?  

The latest DfE data shows if your child is in: 

• secondary school, you’re probably spending around £442 on a full uniform and PE kit 

• primary school, it’s about £343 

That’s a serious hit to your budget, especially if you have more than one child. 

Why some people aren’t so sure about the plans?  

But not everyone thinks this is a good idea. Some critics, like the Schoolwear Association, warn that buying cheaper, generic items could actually cost you more in the long run. They say this is because cheaper items might not last as long, meaning you could end up replacing them more often. 

They also argue that branded uniforms help reduce peer pressure, level the playing field and even improve behaviour at school. 

Need help sooner?  

September 2026 is still a long way away and you may need support sooner.  

If you're on a low income, you might be able to get help with some of the costs of sending your child to school, including school meals, transport and uniform. 

If you’re not sure what support you might be eligible for, it’s worth contacting your local council directly.  Find your local council on GOV.UK. 

You can also speak to Citizens Advice or your school if you need extra financial support.