What help is available if I can’t afford school uniform?
School uniform can be a big expense, particularly when your child has grown out of several things at once, is changing schools or needs new shoes too.
If you can’t afford school uniform, start by speaking to your child’s school. Help with school uniform costs may also be available through your council or local schemes, depending on where you live and your circumstances.
You don’t need to wait until the start of a new school year to ask for support.
What can I do if I can’t afford school uniform?
Your child’s school is usually the best place to start.
Contact the school office, headteacher or another member of staff you feel comfortable speaking to. Ask whether the school:
- has second-hand or pre-loved uniform
- has spare donated items
- offers any help with uniform costs
- knows about local charities or uniform banks
- can offer some flexibility if you can’t get everything straight away
You don’t need to explain more than you’re comfortable with. Saying that you’re finding the cost difficult can be enough to start the conversation.
In England, schools should consider affordability when setting their uniform policy. They should also make second-hand uniform available and publish information about how parents can access it. You can read the latest school uniform guidance on GOV.UK.
Where can I get free or second-hand school uniform?
Second-hand uniform can cost much less than buying new and may sometimes be free.
Check with:
- your child’s school
- local uniform banks
- community groups
- charity shops
- parent groups
- local online giveaway groups
It’s worth asking the school even if it doesn’t advertise a formal second-hand scheme. It may have donated clothing available directly to families.
Second-hand options can be particularly useful for branded jumpers, blazers and PE kit, which children may grow out of quickly.
Can I get a school uniform grant?
You may be able to get financial help with school clothing, but there isn’t one UK-wide school uniform grant with the same rules for everyone.
The help available depends on where you live and your circumstances.
England
Some councils in England provide financial help with school uniform costs, but this varies between areas. GOV.UK recommends checking with your local council to find out what’s available.
It’s also worth asking your child’s school about local support.
Schools in England must limit the number of compulsory branded uniform and PE kit items from 1 September 2026. Schools can generally require no more than three branded items. Middle and secondary schools can require a fourth if one of those items is a tie. You can check the latest school uniform guidance on GOV.UK.
Wales
Eligible families in Wales can apply for a School Essentials Grant to help with school costs.
The grant can be used towards items such as uniform, shoes, sports kit, bags and other equipment. Eligibility rules apply, so check the latest Welsh Government guidance on the School Essentials Grant before applying.
Scotland
In Scotland, some families can get help with school clothing costs through a School Clothing Grant.
Eligibility is set by individual local authorities, so you’ll need to check the rules for your council area. You can also find general information about school uniform support in Scotland.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, some pupils in primary, post-primary and special schools may qualify for a school uniform grant.
Eligibility rules apply and applications are made through the Education Authority. Check the latest school uniform grant guidance on nidirect before applying.
What if there’s no grant available?
Not qualifying for a grant doesn’t necessarily mean you have to buy everything new or all at once.
Check the school’s uniform policy to see which items are compulsory. Ask whether plain, non-branded versions are allowed and which things your child needs immediately.
You may be able to:
- buy permitted basics from a supermarket or lower-cost retailer
- combine second-hand branded clothing with new basics
- buy essential items first and others later
- repair clothing that still fits
- label items carefully so they’re easier to return if lost
If the full uniform list is difficult to afford, speak to the school before considering additional borrowing. Some purchases may be able to wait.
What about PE kits, shoes, trips and other school costs?
Uniform may be only one of several school costs you’re dealing with.
Other expenses can include:
- shoes and trainers
- PE or sports kit
- school meals
- stationery and equipment
- trips
- clubs and activities
- transport
Ask the school about each cost that’s causing difficulty. Help with uniform, meals, trips and equipment may come from different schemes.
If a trip is the main concern, read our guide on what to do if you can’t afford your child’s school trip.
If school meals are difficult to afford, check whether your child qualifies for free school meals under the rules where you live.
What if I’m worried about telling the school?
Talking about money can feel uncomfortable, especially when it involves something your child needs.
You can keep the conversation simple and practical. For example, explain that you’re having difficulty covering the cost of the required uniform and ask what support or alternatives are available.
If your child doesn’t have all the correct uniform, contact the school rather than avoiding the issue. Staff may be able to offer practical help or flexibility.
What if school costs are part of a wider money problem?
Sometimes uniform is simply an extra one-off cost. But if you’re regularly struggling to afford essentials, the pressure may be wider than school expenses alone.
You might also be:
- struggling with household bills
- using credit regularly for food or essentials
- missing debt repayments
- falling behind with rent, mortgage payments or council tax
- finding there’s little or no money left after essential costs
If you’re regularly finding there’s no money left after bills, it may help to look at your household finances as a whole.
Writing down your income, essential spending, debts and missed payments can help show where the biggest pressure is coming from.
If debt has become difficult to manage, MoneyPlus can provide confidential, regulated debt advice and explain options based on your circumstances. Getting advice doesn’t commit you to a debt solution.
Some debt solutions have fees, risks and restrictions. These should be explained before you make a decision. Free, impartial debt advice is also available from MoneyHelper.
What should I do next?
If you’re worried about the cost of school uniform, contact your child’s school first. Find out what help, second-hand items or flexibility they can offer.
Then check whether financial support is available through your council or national scheme.
If the problem goes beyond school costs and you’re also finding it difficult to keep up with bills or debts, looking at your household finances as a whole may help you understand what support could be appropriate.
FAQs
There isn’t one UK-wide school uniform grant. Support depends on where you live and your circumstances. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have specific forms of school clothing support for eligible families, while support in England can vary between local councils.
Possibly. Schools may have second-hand uniform, donated items, financial support or details of local uniform banks and charities. Ask the school directly what’s available.
Start with your child’s school and local uniform banks or community groups. You may also find donated clothing through charity shops, parent groups or local giveaway schemes.
Ask the school which items are compulsory and which your child needs straight away. You may be able to use cheaper non-branded items, buy second-hand or spread purchases over time.
Ask the school what support is available for the particular costs you’re struggling with, such as meals, trips or equipment. If household bills or debts are also becoming difficult to manage, it may be useful to review your wider finances and consider appropriate money or debt advice.
Getting debt help
MoneyPlus provides regulated debt advice based on your circumstances. If you choose a solution with MoneyPlus, fees may apply. Fees, risks and alternatives are explained before you agree.
You can also get free, impartial guidance through MoneyHelper.
