The cost of school uniform: letter of insights and recommendations to local schools
September 2025
This summer we hosted a pre-loved school uniform pop-up shop, in partnership with Stripey Stork, to support local families with the rising cost of school uniforms. We wrote to local headteachers to share our findings, the feedback we received, and the key learning points which we believe are directly relevant to school policies and practices.
Headline outcomes
95 families were supported, representing 182 children across Elmbridge and the surrounding boroughs. This was double the number compared to last year’s pop-up shop.
962 items were distributed, including shirts, trousers, skirts, blazers, shoes, PE kits, and rucksacks.
Families collectively saved an estimated £6,817, with the average savings per family at £70.
Parent feedback
Parents told us they were relieved to access free, high-quality branded and unbranded items:
“Absolutely fantastic resource, particularly for those of us struggling to get everything ready for the school year”.
“Thank you so much for lifting a massive weight!”.
“You have no idea how grateful we are, this has taken so much monetary stress away. God bless”.
“I am in tears, thank you and may you be blessed on behalf of me (single mum) and my son”.
Several parents also highlighted difficulties caused by current uniform policies at some local schools:
New branded items such as skirts have been introduced, significantly raising the price of the items and preventing the reuse of old skirts.
Some branded items are only available from a single supplier, which goes against statutory guidance.
Schools in the same trust have different uniform policies.
These restrictions not only increase costs for families but also reduce the environmental benefit of uniform reuse and hand-downs.
Trends we observed
High demand for branded items indicates parents are under particular financial strain in this area.
Families with children in different schools faced significant duplication costs where policies differ.
Many parents voiced concern that uniform costs are rising fast.
Environmental impact
Uniform that could not be taken because it did not meet a school’s specific uniform requirements also represents a missed opportunity to reduce textile waste. Nationally, it is estimated that 1.4 million tonnes of uniform are thrown into landfill each year. Enabling and encouraging the reuse of generic, unbranded items is an important step towards sustainability.
What schools can do
We thank those schools who helped share and promote our event - it made a real difference to local families. Going forward, they may wish to consider:
Reviewing the affordability impact of their uniform policies, particularly restrictions on suppliers and branded items.
Encouraging reuse and recycling, by allowing generic or gender-neutral items where possible and supporting uniform exchanges.
Take parent feedback into account when making decisions about uniform changes.
Consider setting up a dedicated email address, that goes directly to the relevant person, for parents and guardians to use when contacting the school about a financial concern or worrying situation.
Make use of other organisations such as Stripey Stork that can provide donated school uniform, backpacks, school shoes and more.
In summary
Our pre-loved school uniform pop-up was a great success - families saved money, children were better prepared for school, and the local community worked together to support one another. But we also saw where school policy decisions are making life harder for families.
We hope local schools take these findings into account when they next review their approach to school uniforms. By doing so, they can help ensure that their uniform policy is affordable, environmentally conscious, and helps pupils feel confident when they go to school.