The UK government made headlines with its announcement to limit the number of branded compulsory school uniform items to just three (excluding ties). It’s part of a broader effort under the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, aiming to save families money, reduce stress around uniform shopping, and make school more accessible to all children, regardless of income. And as a parent of Primary and Secondary school-aged children, and someone who runs a school uniform shop, I’m absolutely in favour. Am I the turkey who voted for Christmas!? I don't think so...
This legislation is overdue.
Too many families have been squeezed by the high cost of bespoke uniform items — often only available from one specific shop at a high price point. According to government research, the average cost to fully kit out a child for secondary school is £442, with primary school not far behind at £343. In some schools, those figures are even higher.
But while this new cap is welcome news, there’s a critical gap in the legislation that still needs to be addressed.
One School, One Shop? That’s the Real Problem
While the government is right to limit the number of branded items, it’s not just how many items are required — it’s who gets to sell them.
Many schools currently appoint a single uniform supplier. This lack of competition often means families have no choice but to buy from that one shop, at that one price — even for basic items like jumpers. I was recently contacted by a school in London, whose jumper is 50% more expensive than the exact same jumper I sell, by the same brand. If the goal is to reduce costs and improve access, we need legislation that also limits supplier monopolies. Schools should be encouraged — or even required — to allow more than one retailer to offer the necessary embroidered or branded items.
Competition encourages better pricing, more transparency, and greater innovation — especially in ethical sourcing, something at the core of Ethical Schoolwear.
Northern Ireland Needs to Follow Suit
At Ethical Schoolwear, I work with schools across the UK, but mostly Northern Ireland, and although the new law currently applies only to schools in England, it’s clear that Northern Irish families face the same struggles. I believe the Northern Ireland Assembly should introduce similar legislation to make uniform more affordable for all families here.
Let’s Also Talk About What Your Uniform Says
There’s another question that rarely gets asked in these discussions:
What message is your school uniform sending to prospective parents?
When a school’s PE kit requires a variety of sport specific tops, shorts by a certain brand, bespoke socks, and a certain rain jacket, hoodie, half-zip etc. — parents from lower-income households may feel actively discouraged from applying. The uniform becomes not just a source of pride, but a barrier. School uniform shops are just supplying what the schools have specified.
School leaders should take a step back and ask:
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Are we unintentionally excluding families through our uniform requirements?
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Are our choices inclusive, affordable, and fair?
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Do we allow options for ethical purchasing?
- Can our items be handed down, and is there a convenient way for parents to access secondhand uniform?
At Ethical Schoolwear, I provide high-quality, ethically produced school uniform — and for every order placed, I plant a tree right here on our small farm. I keep prices competitive. Ethical Schoolwear began as a side-hustle because I wanted ethically produced items for my kids. I'm a parent first and school uniform shop owner second. And I believe in working with schools who want to make uniform accessible for every child — not just those who can afford the full branded set.
Progress, But Keep Pushing
The new legislation is a major step forward for families across England — and I hope to see similar changes introduced in Northern Ireland soon. But unless schools are also encouraged to open up their supply chains and consider the wider social message of their uniform choices, real affordability will remain out of reach for many.
At Ethical Schoolwear, I'm proud to offer parents an alternative — and I'm here to help schools review and improve their uniform policies in line with these new expectations.
That's my rant over! Hope you're enjoying the sunshine?
All the very best,
Liam