Help with school uniform costs
Check if your child's school has a pre-loved school uniform scheme. Or if they give grants towards uniform costs.
Community organisations such as the Wood Street Mission can help with school uniforms. You need a referral from a professional who knows your family’s circumstances. That could be your child’s school, a social worker, health visitor, midwife or support worker.
Help with school uniform costs may also be available from your housing provider if you live in rented accommodation and qualify for certain benefits or your children receives free school meals. Please check with your housing association for any support they may provide and how to apply.
Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert website also has advice on which retailers have the best offers and discounts on school uniforms and where you can go online for to find pre-loved school uniforms such as Facebook Market Place, Freecycle, Uniformerly and the Educational Trust’ Forum – who offer educational grants to support vulnerable children.
If you're a member of a trade union, they may also offer grants to support low income families with school uniform costs. Please contact your union representative for any scheme details.
The Unify Credit Union offers a school uniform loan, designed to help parents ease the pressure of school uniform costs by breaking them down into smaller, manageable repayments. Loan amounts are from £150 to £500, with 1% interest per month, repaid over 50 weeks or 11 months, with affordable repayments through child benefit. For more information, visit the Unify Credit Union website or call 01942 245656.