Some schools have remained open but cancelled planned school trips because of the weather
(Picture: Ian West / PA Wire)With the summer holidays drawing to a close, many people will be looking to buy a new set of school uniforms for the start of the school year.
At the beginning of the new term in September, schools will be forced to provide affordable uniforms for their pupils, after years of increasing costs have left parents frustrated.
In April, the Government passed new legislation, that will come into effect when pupils return to school next month.
The bill was first introduced by Labour MP Mike Amesbury, and it received cross-party support.
The law aims to protect parents in England from unnecessary uniform costs, by forcing schools to remove branded items from their uniform requirements, allowing parents to shop around or to use second-hand clothes more easily.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What are the new laws on school uniforms?
A new law to protect parents in England from unnecessary school uniform costs comes into effect from September 2022.
State schools will be forced to remove unnecessary branded items from their uniform requirements, allowing parents to shop around or hand clothes down more easily.
Despite requiring branding to be kept to a minimum, the new legislation does not ban it, meaning some children will continue to wear items with school logos, for example, blazers.
Despite this, the new laws come with a loophole, which means schools that need to secure a new contract with a supplier have until December 2022, and will then have until the start of September 2023 to introduce the new garments, reports the BBC.
Will the new laws on school uniforms save money?
Unlike other products, school uniforms haven’t gone up dramatically in price this year, but the difference is that, for many families, the ability to make a big one-off payment at the beginning of the academic year has become harder to achieve.
The new guidelines are in place to aid this, however, there are a lot of grey areas, including parents and schools being likely to have differing opinions of what might be considered “necessary” and “reasonable” when it comes to uniform.
If parents don’t think their school is complying with the new guidance, they’re being told to approach the governers’ office. The Children’s Society said that it expects the average cost of school uniform this year to be £315 per primary pupil and £337 per secondary pupil, unchanged from 2020.
But the charity believes the new legislation should empower parents to push back if they feel a school uniform costs too much.
Chief executive Mark Russell said: “If parents think that the school uniform policy hasn’t changed in their local school, they should contact the headteacher, they should contact the governing body.”
“Failing that, if they are still not satisfied, they should contact their local MP or the Department for Education itself. The department will then contact the school and require them to implement the law.”
A Department for Education spokesperson said: “School uniform must never be a burden for parents or a barrier to pupils accessing education.”
The new law coming into effect next month should help families to keep down costs. The spokesperson added. “We know schools and families are facing increased cost pressures more broadly, which is why this government is providing over £37bn to help households with the greatest need and supporting families through the Household Support Fund.”
How can I save money on school uniforms?
There are a number of ways parents can save money on school uniforms. Reena Sewraz, Which? Money Expert, said: “School uniforms are a significant expense – especially if you have more than one child – and with household budgets being squeezed due to the cost of living crisis, many parents will be looking for ways to cut the cost.
“It’s worth searching for second-hand uniforms via your child’s school PTA. If you’re buying items in multipacks, check the individual prices to make sure they’re a genuine bargain. There are lots of good deals and offers on uniforms at the moment, so shop around to find the best prices.”
1. Buy second-hand
Check if your school or PTA have a second-hand selling group, where you can access pre-loved items.
2. Don’t be tricked by multipacks
School uniform items are often sold in multipacks of two, four, or five pieces. Althogh this might be a good deal for basic T-shirts, it doesn’t often help for other items, such as school trousers or skirts, where it isn’t necessary to purchase such a high volume.
3. Buddy up
If you spot a great multipack offer, but don’t need all of the items, buddy up with someone else at the school and split the costs. Buddying up with families with children of different ages is also a great way to pass around clothes when they’re outgrown, reports Which.
4. Size up
If it’s an expensive item, such as a blazer, it’s often sensible to ‘size up’ and to buy an item in a larger size, so that it will last the following year, too. It’s also worth taking up the hem of trousers if they’re a size too big and letting them down the following year.
5. Check for grants
Depending on where you live and your income, some parents qualify for a £200 school uniform grant. The grants are typically available to those who’re receiving Universal Credit, and Child Tax Credit.
6. Double-check the uniform policy
Make sure you check the school uniform policy thoroughly before purchasing. If you have to buy branded items, speak to the school as they might have vouchers on offer to help with the costs.
7. Look in outlet stores
Some major shoe shops have online outlet stores to help with costs - including ClarksOutlet.co.uk, OffcustShoes.co.uk, and Schuh.co.uk
8. Keep uniform in good condition to last longer
By keeping school uniforms in good order, you can avoid having to replace it the following year. Tips include polishing shoes, or buying a clothes shaver for £5 on Amazon.
9. Remember to label clothes
Buy labels to sew into clothes for as little as £3.50 - to make sure your items aren’t accidentally picked up by others.
10. Search for deals
Shop around for the best deals and discounts on items, with many outlets running deals at this time of year, including Aldi selling uniform items on sale, such as a black pleated girls’ skirt for £1.75, and Kickers selling shoes for 20 per cent off if you buy two pairs.
11. Search for discount codes and loyalty apps
Coupert, and Pouch are free shopping tools that automatically find every voucher available in one click, and apply it to your basket. You can also get offers by signing up to a loyalty programme, for example, the H&M club is free to join, and it gives members free delivery as well as offering points for every purchase.
12. Keep an eye on the sales
Sales can offer a great chance to save money on expensive items, such as winter coats or shoes. Which? recommends setting a budget, making a list of items to buy, and noting their full price. It can also help to buy out of season.
