North East parents struggling with school uniform costs
Research finds almost 3 in 5 British households are struggling with the rising costs of school uniforms
As pupils head back to school after half term, new research has uncovered a growing crisis for families, as 3 in 5 households are unable to cope with the rising costs of school uniforms.
The survey, commissioned by easyjet, reveals over a third of Brits are cutting back on essential household items just to make ends meet.
Parents report spending an average of £255 per child on school uniform each year, and more than half (53%) need to replace items before the first term is even over, adding to the financial pressure at the start of the school year.
The survey shows that families are open to solutions: two-thirds (66%) would consider second-hand or upcycled uniforms, while 93% would welcome more flexibility in school uniform policies.
Second Chance CIC in Hendon, Sunderland, is helping to bridge the gap for families who aren't able to buy new school uniform. The shop collects donations of pre-worn items which can be picked out by those in need for free.
Thanks to thousands of pounds worth of grants from the Community Lottery Fund and Sunderland City Council, they were also able to buy in new items of clothing for families.
Wendy English is a volunteer at Second Chance Sunderland:
"We have a list on the wall of what people are allowed to take away - 2 trousers, 2 jumpers, shirts, everything that they need for the kids. All different sizes."
"Parents can't afford to replace them as easy as what the children think.
They cannot afford to replace them at all, some of them. It's really hard for some of the families especially if they've got more than two kids, by the time they've paid their electricity and gas and budgeted for the food, there's nothing much left."
A Department for Education spokesperson said:
“School uniform matters, but it shouldn't break the bank. No family should have to choose between putting food on the table and buying a new blazer.
"Parents have told us they want fewer costly branded items – and that's exactly what we're delivering through our plan to limit branded items from September 2026. Schools can help ease the pressure on families right now by reducing the number of branded items they require.
"Our Plan for Change is keeping more money in the pockets of hardworking families, so the back-to-school shop doesn't push parents into debt and children can focus on their education, not their outfit."
But Wendy says the change can't come soon enough:
"They really need to take the branded labels off, all this embroidery stitches on them. And keep them just to the colours, they should just have a badge.
I think the families could do with getting vouchers to help them. I really don't know what the answer is, the way the cost of living is at the moment. It's ridiculous. Nobody can manage."