Millions of UK parents are skipping meals and turning to debt to afford school uniforms for their children. Nearly half of families surveyed are worried about uniform costs, with many resorting to credit cards and buy-now-pay-later services like Klarna just to clothe their children for school.
A survey of 2,000 parents by Parentkind revealed the extent of the financial strain. 47 per cent said they were worried about uniform costs, while 29 per cent admitted they had forgone food or heating to pay for uniforms.
The debt crisis is widespread among families preparing for the new school year. 45 per cent of parents plan to use credit cards to pay for school uniforms, while one in three will rely on delayed payment services like Klarna.
Government responds to uniform crisis
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson (Labour) has acknowledged the problem and promised action. "School uniform matters but it shouldn't break the bank," she said. "No family should have to choose between putting food on the table and buying a new blazer."
"Parents have told us they want fewer costly branded items - and that's exactly what we're delivering," Phillipson added. The Government is pushing for immediate voluntary action from schools while preparing longer-term reforms.
Phillipson called on schools to reduce the number of branded items they require to ease pressure on families right now. Current uniform costs can reach £400 including PE kit, according to The Guardian, with some schools requiring more than ten branded items.
Children punished for affordable alternatives
Children are being punished for wearing supermarket uniforms instead of expensive branded alternatives, according to Mirror reports. This creates inequality where families face additional pressure beyond just the financial burden of uniform costs.
Some schools are making positive changes by allowing trainers instead of expensive shoes as a cost-saving measure, according to reports from MyLondon and Evening Standard. However, the broader system still penalises families who cannot afford branded items.
Reform legislation coming
The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill will cap branded uniform items at just three from September 2026. This represents a significant reduction from current requirements at many schools across the country.
Parentkind's research shows strong parent support for these changes. 85 per cent of parents believe limiting branded items will cut costs, while 71 per cent prefer to buy plain items and add the logo later, and 83 per cent say unbranded uniforms are just as good quality.
Jason Elsom, Parentkind's chief executive, said the reforms address a long-standing injustice. "Parents have faced the crushing cost of sending their children to school for far too long," he said. "For many families the bills soar into the thousands every year, covering uniforms, books, stationery, trips, laptops and travel."
Wider poverty concerns
Education leaders are linking uniform costs to broader child poverty issues. Pepe Di'Iasio of the Association of School and College Leaders said many families cannot afford basic amenities beyond just school uniforms.
"The rate of child poverty in the UK is simply appalling," he said. "We hope to see the government publish a meaningful strategy to tackle this issue in the near future."
Social Security Minister Stephen Timms emphasised the urgency ahead of the new school year. "No family should have to choose between buying school supplies and putting food on the table," he said.
Sources used: "PA Media", "Parentkind", "The Guardian", "Mirror", "MyLondon", "Evening Standard" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
