Struggling with the cost of school uniforms for your kids? There are support options available to help ease the financial burden. If you are on a low income, claiming benefits, or receiving free school meals, you may qualify for grants of up to £200 towards school uniform expenses. These grants, provided by certain local councils, do not require repayment.
School uniform grants are offered by all councils in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, while only some councils in England provide this assistance. Eligibility criteria vary between councils. In England, the average cost of compulsory secondary school uniform and sportswear is £92.35 per pupil for 2024, according to the Schoolwear Association.
Last year, only 28 councils in England offered school uniform grants, with amounts varying between councils. To determine if your local council provides assistance, you can check using your postcode on the GOV.UK website.
In Scotland, all councils offer school uniform grants starting at £120 for primary school children and £150 for secondary school students. Certain councils, like Shetland Islands Council, provide higher grants based on the child’s school level.
For families in Wales, all councils offer school uniform grants ranging from £125 to £200 for secondary school students. The current scheme is open until May 31, 2026. In Northern Ireland, grants of up to £93.60 are available for secondary school students aged 15 or older, with varying amounts depending on the child’s age and school level.
If your council does not offer a school uniform grant, consider checking if you are eligible for assistance through its Household Support Fund. Additionally, some charities provide grants for school uniforms to those on low incomes or claiming benefits. Keep an eye out for local buy-and-sell Facebook groups where parents sell school uniforms as another cost-saving option.
