This September, a new rule goes into effect across the UK, restricting schools to requesting only a limited number of branded uniform pieces. The goal is to help ease families’ financial strain, though some parents and local charities in Coventry feel the government’s actions have not sufficiently dealt with the high cost of uniforms.
Three-logo policy takes effect in September
Under the new legislation, schools in England will be restricted to requiring no more than three logoed uniform pieces, such as a jumper, blazer, or sports kit, starting in September. Secondary schools may also include a tie as part of the three allowed branded items. Government officials say this initiative should help families who face the burden of costly compulsory uniforms. Currently, 23% of secondary schools must revise their uniform policies to remain compliant with the new regulation.
Families could potentially save up to £50 per child because of these requirements, according to government projections. Yet, the Schoolwear Association warns that switching to more affordable garments may mean higher expenses in the long term, since non-branded pieces may not last as long and could need replacing more often.
Parents and charities: Changes aren’t enough
In response to these ongoing challenges, Clothing Coventry has launched a pop-up school uniform shop, accessible by appointment until 28 August, to make affordable uniforms available to local families. Zia Lee, speaking for the charity, remarked that although capping branded items is a positive move, it doesn’t fully resolve cost issues. She pointed out, “Even with three compulsory logo items, you’re still spending perhaps one to two hundred pounds per child.”
The burden on families is evident in the experiences parents shared. Eniola Okwuosa, a parent of three, finds secondary school uniform expenses “usually over £200 because the blazers alone are about £40 or £45.” Her two daughters must have specific logoed jumpers and blazers, making non-branded substitutes unrealistic. Despite this, Okwuosa sees promise in the initiative, saying, “It’s a brilliant idea if it works.”
Another parent, Angelica Jaros, who has a son starting school and a six-year-old daughter, suggests that including all necessities—books, bags, and shoes—brings the total to about £300 per child. Jaros highlighted the emotional drive behind wanting to supply children with new things: “You remember when you were a child, you wanted to go to school with brand new things, you want the same thing for your kids as well.”
Schools and suppliers express reservations
For school uniform sellers, the new rules bring ambiguity, as they expect the demand for branded items to change. Leaders from the Association of School and College Leaders, known as a significant head teachers’ union, argue that these updates will not result in dramatic savings for most families.
Volunteers with Clothing Coventry also reflected on the continued hardship. Meme Horner shared her perspective as someone who benefited from second-hand clothes while growing up, stating her volunteer work is about “giving back to the community.” Horner is concerned that even three required branded pieces are excessive for families, particularly amid rising living costs and inflation. As she puts it, “Parents are struggling to do the basic necessities, let alone get children three pairs of logoed clothing for school.”
Another volunteer, Seyedeh Naseriniaki, recounted her family’s experience from the previous year: “Last year we had to change twice, and going for a specific uniform cost a lot for us.” Naseriniaki believes that fewer branded items would offer greater options and affordability for parents.
Enforcement and what comes next
With the education secretary now empowered to compel compliance, schools risk intervention if they do not adhere to the updated uniform guidelines. As the September deadline nears, questions persist over whether these adjustments will provide enough financial relief—or if additional policy changes will be required going forward.