School uniforms can be costly, but assistance is available for families facing financial challenges when preparing for the new school year. If you are on a low income, claiming benefits, or receiving free school meals, you may qualify for grants of up to £200 to help cover uniform expenses. These grants are offered by select local councils and do not require repayment.
In Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, all councils provide school uniform grants, while in England, only some councils offer this support as it is not mandatory. Eligibility criteria vary among councils, with the average cost of secondary school uniform and sportswear in England estimated at £92.35 per pupil for 2024.
Last year, 28 councils in England provided school uniform grants, with varying amounts awarded. It is recommended to check with your local council by entering your postcode on the GOV.UK website to determine eligibility and apply for assistance.
In Scotland, grants for primary and secondary school students range from £120 to £225, depending on the council. Application periods typically run from July to March, and more information can be found on the MyGov.scot website.
All councils in Wales offer grants of £125, rising to £200 for secondary school students. The current scheme in Wales is open until May 31, 2026, with details available on the Gov.Wales website.
In Northern Ireland, families with secondary school children aged 15 or older can receive up to £93.60, while younger secondary school students may receive £87.60, and primary school pupils may get £42.90. The deadline to apply for these grants is July 25, 2025, through the Education Authority website.
If your council does not provide a school uniform grant, consider exploring options through the Household Support Fund or contacting your child’s school for assistance. Charities may also offer grants for families in need, and tools like Turn2Us’ grants search can help identify available support.
Additionally, monitoring local buy-and-sell Facebook groups can be a useful way to find affordable school uniforms.