Following the UK’s biggest survey of school uniform suppliers and retailers, representing circa 366,000 secondary school pupils, The Schoolwear Association has found the average cost of compulsory secondary school uniform and sportswear items for a child starting secondary school in England in 2024 is £92.35. Find out more here: School Uniform costs 2024.
School Uniform costs are down 4%, compared to last year (£96.24) despite continued inflationary pressure.
The lower cost follows the statutory cost of school uniforms guidance introduced by the Department for Education in Autumn 2021, to keep costs down for families, with the number of compulsory school uniform (including sportswear) items reducing by 7% since 2021. This year’s reduction in costs demonstrates the efforts of the school uniform industry to keep uniform costs at a reasonable level, despite persistent inflation.
School uniforms not only perform a vital function in schools but they are also worn by children for approximately 195 days of the year, making it crucial for garments to be made of high-quality materials and designed to withstand daily wear and tear. This means school uniforms made by schoolwear retailers hold significant value for money and can be handed down to siblings, minimising environmental impact and maximising affordability.