Everything seems to be getting more expensive at the moment and parents will know how much of a burden the cost of school uniforms can be. While the summer term hasn't even ended yet, no doubt some are already thinking about how they will deal with the cost ahead of the new school year in September.
The good news is that some councils in the UK provide help with the cost, up to as much as £150 in England. In Wales a Pupil Development Grant is available at £125 for primary school age children and £200 for those entering secondary school.
However, in England it's not compulsory, meaning that not all local authorities offer the support. The criteria for those that are eligible also varies depending on where you are.
As a general rule, though, those who are able to claim free school meals, claim benefits, or are on low incomes could be able to get help with the cost. Finally, the age of a child can be a factor, too.
According to a survey by The Schoolwear Association, a secondary school uniform costs £101.19 per child on average. The Mirror has taken a look at how the grants work.
Do I qualify for a school uniform grant?
School uniform grants aren’t a statutory requirement in England - which means councils don’t have to provide the funding. Dozens of local authorities have also slashed funding over the years, which means parents face a postcode lottery for the help.
Last year, fewer than 30 councils in England offered the support, according to MoneySavingExpert. How much you could receive in the form of a school uniform grant varies between each council.
For example, Islington Council told The Mirror that it still offers £150 to families where a child is moving from year 6 to secondary school (year 7) as long as they get free school meals. Hackney Council residents can get a school uniform grant worth £110 when a child moves to secondary school (year 7) and their household claims certain benefits.
City of York Council provides a £100 school uniform grant for pupils starting secondary school (year 7), or £50 for children starting years 8, 9, or 10. Last year, constituents of Sandwell Council could get £20 for a child starting reception, or £25 for a child at secondary school years 7 to 11.
Sandwell Council has not confirmed how much its grants will be worth this year, but says more information will be available from July 4. The school uniform grant system is different in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, where councils have to offer the help.
In Wales, you can get up to £200 toward the cost of school uniform per child for Year 7 pupils, or £125 for reception, Year 3 and Year 10 pupils. Scottish families are entitled to at least £100 per eligible child, although councils can choose to offer more.
If you live in Northern Ireland, you can claim £35.75 for a primary school pupil, £51 for a post-primary/special school pupil under 15 years old, and £56 for a post-primary/special school pupil over 15 years old.
How do I apply for a school uniform grant?
Each council has a different way for residents to apply for the grant. You normally have to fill out a form online, or print out a form and then email or post it off.
Enter your postcode on the Gov.uk website to find details of your local authority. If your council does offer a school uniform grant, you’ll need to check if you qualify before making a claim.
Deadlines vary from council to council, which is also something to keep in mind. Applications generally open in June or July and stay open until at least the end of September.
If your local authority doesn’t offer a school uniform grant, it’s worth speaking to your school to see what help they can offer. For example, some may be able to offer you a reduction or some other financial support.
Some charities also offer grants to help cover the costs of school uniform - although again, you'll normally need to be on a low income or claim benefits. Turn2Us has a free grants search tool so you can find out what help is available to you.
