The UK government plans to reform school uniform policies impacting over four million students, aiming to cut the number of required branded items in secondary and primary schools. The changes, part of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, emphasize affordability for families, estimating a £50 saving per child. However, school uniform retailers caution that the shift to generic items could lead to higher long-term costs for parents. The Schoolwear Association highlights that branded uniforms serve to mitigate inequalities among students and can positively influence behavior. The legislation is set to begin implementation by September 2026.
The government says seven in 10 secondary schools and 35% of primary schools in England will have to reduce the number of compulsory branded items to three, plus a branded tie for secondary students.
The current government wants to go further, by limiting the number of items unique to a school that have to be bought from designated suppliers.
But uniform retailers warn that the planned changes might increase costs for families, as generic garments may not last as long as branded items.
The Schoolwear Association's complaint highlights that branded uniforms play a role in reducing inequality in schools and improving behaviour.
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