The new UK government is planning to introduce a limit on the amount of branded items that schools can require, in an effort to reduce the costs of uniforms for families. While current rules advise schools to keep branded items to a minimum, the new guidelines will specifically limit the number. Prior to coming to power, the government stated that the number would be three items. For many schools, this will mean scrapping branded PE kits. While the aim is to support the budgets of parents, there are concerns that this could lead to “stigmatisation” and school dropout.
A survey by the Children’s Society of 2,000 parents suggests that two out of three secondary school parents already find uniforms too expensive, while one in three must purchase four or more branded items. The charity’s CEO, Mark Russel, says that there is “much more to do” and the number of branded items should be limited to two. Headteachers have already been required by law since 2022 to reduce the use of branded items and avoid single-supplier contracts, while second-hand uniforms must be available. The government has promised to reduce the number of branded items in uniforms further.
While most schools already work to keep uniform costs affordable, headteacher unions are broadly supportive of the new restrictions but cautious about the “finer details.” For example, the Schoolwear Association’s chairman, Matthew Easter, has warned that limiting branded items could exacerbate the issue of declining participation in sports by leaving some children feeling too anxious or excluded to participate. Another concern is that families will instead buy expensive branded sportswear, creating less unity among pupils.
A network that helps families with uniform costs in Huddersfield has noted that the donation of second-hand PE kits has fallen as schools have changed policy. The founder of the Uniform Exchange is calling for schools to keep logos for at least five years to avoid parents wasting money. The Department for Education said that while it has yet to set a limit on school-branded items, it is clear that reducing the number will help parents save money and remove barriers to children accessing sport
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