Kitting youngsters out for school can be a costly affair, but one secondary is going above and beyond to support families. Every pupil starting in Year 7 at The Heys School in Prestwich, Bury, has been given a complete uniform free of charge.
Regardless of family income, 120 kids have been supplied with a blazer, school jumper, tie and PE kit.
And with a reduction in the requirement for logoed items - often the most expensive part for parents - the cost of a full Heys uniform has been lowered to around £86 for those in Years 8 to 11.
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The free uniform was first implemented in 2019 but has become more important than ever as families struggle to make ends meet.
And with a free breakfast club for all pupils, it's just one of the initiatives the school is doing to help parents navigate the cost of living crisis.
Headteacher Rachel Evans said: “We’ve been providing free uniforms for all Year 7 pupils every September since 2019 so that every child gets a blazer, school jumper, tie and PE kit.
“We’ve always understood that it’s challenging for anyone to have to buy a full high school uniform every year – and now more so than ever. This is something we can do to support our families. We’ve also reduced the number of logoed items in our uniform to positively impact on finances, so that many items can be bought from most shops.”
A survey carried out by the Schoolwear Association this year found that the average cost of compulsory secondary school uniform and sportswear items was just over £100.
The Year 7 pupils arrived for their first day this week, having collected new uniforms from the Heys Road school in August.
As well as offering free uniforms, the Heys School’s cafeteria, The Hive, provides complimentary breakfast to all pupils every day. Children can arrive from 8.30am to choose from a selection of toast, cereal, porridge, bagels and fresh fruit, with juice or water.
Miss Evans said: “Our school motto is ‘realising greatness’ and, to help our pupils achieve their version of greatness, there are measures we can take as a school that can make a big impact. Offering a free, filling and nutritional breakfast – and the space to enjoy it – to those who would like it, ensures every child can start the day ready to learn and to fulfil their potential.”
Parents have been quick to praise the school, which is already preparing for next year's intake of Year 7s with two open days planned on September 21 and October 12, between 6pm and 8pm.
Parent Kelli Farrar, of Prestwich, has daughters Phoebe in Year 7, Madison in Year 8 and Niamh in Year 11 and said the free uniform initiative made a huge impact on her family.
Kelli, who attended the school when it was Prestwich Arts College, said: “When your children want shoes and bags the same as their friends, having the school uniform and PE kit paid for makes a massive difference, because it can cost a fortune when you have three children.
“My children use the free breakfast club and I think it’s great for them to be able to sit with their friends for breakfast and get their chatter out of the way before registration. The school is second to none and so supportive.”
Parent Renata Luszcz, of Whitefield, has a son, Filip, in Year 8 and daughter Tosia in Year 7 and said she had even been able to pay forward the good deed.
She said: “I saw a message on a Facebook group from a mum who was asking for help with purchasing a uniform for her daughter. I was able to give her a small donation because my children had received a free uniform, so this makes a massive impact on the Prestwich community.
“I think every single school should try to do this, even if it’s just providing the blazers, because the costs can mount up when you have a few children. My children both use the free breakfast club and that’s a really big help, especially for those who use public transport and arrive early, because it means they start the day healthy.”
Joanne Bevan, from Radcliffe, was able to get a free uniform last year for son Jack Clark, who is now in Year 8.
Joanne, whose eldest son went to a different school, said: “Having Jack’s uniform and PE kit paid for meant that I had one less thing to think about and it was a big help. Jack goes early some days and has a croissant and fruit for breakfast and that takes a bit of pressure off in a morning. The school has been a godsend – so supportive and thoughtful.”
Sue Gray, of Crumpsall, has a son in Year eight and said that although she didn’t base her high school decision on the free uniform, it has been a huge help.
She said: “I’m a single parent and it can be a struggle, so this is massive and really important for someone like me. My son also enjoys the inclusion zone they’ve created in school and I really support everything they’re trying to do. He’s grown in confidence and the staff are all lovely – I can’t praise them enough.”
The school also offers a small-scale food bank, with families in need able to confidentially receive donations. Year 11 pupils attending their prom at the end of the previous academic year were also able to choose free outfits and beauty products from a pop-up shop in school stocked with donations.
Investment has recently been made to create an inclusion space in the hub of the school, with sensory areas to promote wellness and quiet spaces for lunch and break times.
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