You normally need to be claiming benefits or in receipt of free school meals, but this does vary – some councils also take the school age of your child into account
The summer holidays are nearly here but thousands of parents will already be worrying about how they’ll afford the cost of school uniform come September.
If you’re on a low income, you may be entitled to claim up to £200 toward this cost from your local council. You normally need to be claiming benefits or in receipt of free school meals, but this does vary depending on each local authority. Some councils also take the school age of your child into account.
This support is provided by all councils in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and some in England, although funding has been slashed in recent years. The help isn’t a statutory requirement in England, which means councils don’t have to offer the support.
Latest research from the Schoolwear Association claims the average cost of compulsory school uniform and sportswear is £101.19 per pupil per year. However, research by The Children’s Society suggests the cost if £422 per year for secondary school pupils and £287 for primary school pupils.
School uniform grants explained
I live in England: Last year, only 31 councils in England offered school uniform grants, according to MoneySavingExpert.com, so parents face a postcode lottery for this support. How much help you could be entitled to also varies. For example, City of London council offers a grant worth £160 for secondary school pupils, while families covered by Sandwell Council received £25 last year.
Again, it is likely you’ll need to be on a low income, claiming benefits or in receipt of free school meals to be eligible for the support. If you’re not sure who your local council is, enter your postcode on GOV.UK.
I live in Scotland: All councils in Scotland offer school uniform grants worth at least £120 if your child is in primary school, and £150 if they are in secondary school. Councils can choose to pay more than this. For example, Shetland Islands Council can provide a grant worth £150 if your child is in early years, £180 for primary school children and £225 if your child is in secondary school.
The eligibility criteria varies between councils but again, in most cases you need to be claiming free school meals or benefits. Most councils will accept applications from July until the end of March. Visit MyGov.scot for more information.
I live in Wales: All councils in Wales offer school uniform grants worth £125, or £200 if your child is going into secondary school. The 2024/25 scheme is open now and will close on May 31, 2025. Again, each council sets its own eligibility criteria and you normally need to be on a low income or claiming certain benefits. Find more information on Gov.Wales.
I live in Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland families can get up to £93.60 to put toward school uniform costs if the child is in secondary school and is 15 years or older on August 1, 2024. If they’re in secondary school but under the age of 15, the rate is £87.60. The grant is worth £42.90 for primary school pupils.
The deadline to apply in time for the new school year is July 26, 2024 through the Education Authority website. To be eligible for the school uniform grant, you need to be claiming certain benefits.
Other ways to get help with school uniform
If your local authority doesn’t offer a school uniform grant, you may be able to claim help through its Household Support Fund. It is also worth speaking to your school to see what help they can offer you.
Some charities also offer grants to help cover the costs of school uniform – although again, you’ll normally need to be on a low income or claim benefits. Turn2Us has a free grants search tool so you can find out what help is available to you.
It is also worth keeping an eye on local buy and sell Facebook groups for other parents selling school uniform.
