The summer holidays are fast approaching, but so too is the unavoidable moment at the end of summer when families need to purchase expensive school uniform items.
Cost pressures are severe. Secondary schools require an average of six branded items, and primary schools require an average of five. At a time when many families are already struggling to afford the basics, we can’t let the cost of school uniforms make life even harder for children.
The consequences for young people who can't afford the correct item are worrying. 44%* of children experienced detention, isolation or even exclusion for not wearing unaffordable uniform items.
This urgently needs to change. A statutory limit of 3 branded items would relieve this pressure on families, and reduce the cost of school uniforms. Crucially, it would mean fewer punishments for not wearing the right items.
78%* of parents believe that this statutory limit on branded uniform items would be beneficial, and we urge the government to implement it in the upcoming Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill.
When children and young people are given the opportunity to thrive and learn, they see a future that is bright. Expensive school uniform should not stand in the way of that future.
Sign today if you agree that school uniforms should be affordable for every family.
*The Children's Society polled 3,000 parents of children aged 4-16 alongside established polling agency CensusWide, who are members of The British Polling Council
