School uniform

Schools in England must ensure that school uniform costs are reasonable, and parents get the best value for money.

The non-statutory guidance on developing a school uniform policy and managing uniform suppliers to ensure the cost of school uniforms is reasonable is available on the DfE website:

DfE: School uniform guidance

Schools should make sure their uniform policy is published on their website and is clear and easy for parents to understand. There is currently no HCC model policy.

Uniform expenses, especially at the start of the school year, put a strain on family budgets. A Pre-loved Uniform store allows families to donate outgrown uniforms for others to purchase cheaply.

 In 2021, statutory guidance came into force to ensure that school uniform costs are ‘reasonable’ and represent the best ‘value for money’. The key points are:

• Parents should not have to think about the cost of a school uniform when choosing which school(s)to apply for. Therefore, schools need to ensure that their uniform is affordable
• In considering cost, schools will need to think about the total cost of school uniforms, taking into account all items of uniform or clothing parents will need to provide while their child is at the school.
• Schools should keep the use of branded items to a minimum.
• A school’s uniform policy should be published on the school’s website, be available for all parents, including parents of prospective pupils, and be easily understood.
• Schools should ensure that their uniform supplier arrangements give the highest priority to co stand value for money (including the quality and durability of the garment).
• Single supplier contracts should be avoided unless regular tendering competitions are run where more than one supplier can compete for the contract and where the best value for money is secured. This contract should be retendered at least every five years.
• Schools should ensure that second-hand uniforms are available for parents to acquire. Information on second-hand uniforms should be clear for parents of current and prospective pupils and published on the school’s website.
• Schools should engage with parents and pupils when they are  developing their school uniform policy

Source: HFL Education: Elimination Economic Exclusion autumn 2023 newsletter