- A survey indicates that over a quarter of parents will go without food or heating to afford school uniform, with many relying on credit cards or 'buy now, pay later' schemes.
- Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has called on schools to reduce branded uniform items, ahead of a new law capping compulsory branded items to three from September 2026.
- The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill aims to alleviate financial strain on families, with 85 per cent of parents believing schools could cut costs by reducing branded items.
- While parents largely support the cap, some schoolwear retailers caution that it could lead to higher overall costs if unbranded items prove less durable.
- School leaders recognise the financial pressures on families, with some already relaxing uniform rules, though one headteacher suggested the cap might hinder behaviour management.
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