The Schoolwear Association fully supports the concept that school uniform policies set by schools should be affordable for families. Indeed, our members work with schools every day to deliver high-quality, long-lasting uniform at fair prices, and since the current statutory guidance was introduced in 2021, the average cost of compulsory secondary school uniform has fallen by around 25%.
However, we continue to have significant concerns about a proposal within the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to introduce a legal cap on the number of branded school-specific items a school can require – limited to three items, plus a tie for secondary schools.
While intended to reduce costs, this cap is likely to achieve the opposite. It will force schools to drop garments that are designed to last, undermining their ability to set practical, inclusive policies that work for their communities. It will also lead to families replacing cheaper items more frequently or being pressured into buying higher priced fashion-branded items, ultimately driving up costs and reducing choice.
During Committee Stage in the House of Lords, peers from across the political spectrum echoed these concerns. A cross-party amendment to raise the cap to five branded items plus a tie was tabled, but not moved, yet the debate revealed broad discomfort with the proposed three-item limit, particularly its potential to create confusion and unintended consequences for schools, retailers and families alike.
We believe five branded items plus a tie represents a more workable and balanced approach - one that reflects how most schools already operate, and avoids penalising those with well-functioning, inclusive uniform policies.
We are also urging the Government to address three major risks in the current proposal:
- Ambiguity: The clause is vague. It’s unclear whether items like PE kit, loaned uniform, or items required for extracurricular activities such as CCF are included in the cap, leaving schools and parents in the dark.
- Timing: The proposed 12-month implementation period could fall in the middle of a school year, creating confusion and risking significant disruption for schools, parents and pupils
- Retail impact: Small, specialist schoolwear businesses, many of which are family-run and central to their communities, face an uncertain future. Over half may have said they may have to lay off staff (54.2%), whilst 53.5% aren’t sure if they will survive if the cap proceeds as planned.
We will continue to work with parliamentarians, officials and schools to ensure any changes are practical, proportionate and genuinely supportive of families. We are also offering our expertise to the Department for Education to help shape the regulations and guidance that will follow.
As the voice of the schoolwear sector, we want to see a system that keeps costs down, upholds quality, supports schools, parents and pupils and protects choice. A blanket three-plus-one-item cap will achieve the opposite.
The debate is not over, and we’ll continue to stand up for what works.