BRIGHTON — Charities in Sussex say school uniform costs are still adding strain to families already under financial pressure, even after new rules came into force to limit the number of branded items state schools can require.
Pelican Parcels, a children’s charity in Brighton and Hove, says it expects to double the amount of uniform support it provides by the end of 2026 because of rising local demand. The charity has handed out thousands of items in recent years, including uniform, PE kits and school supplies, and is now asking for donations of good-quality, unbranded clothing.
Campaigners and parents say the price of shoes and school-specific kit can mount up quickly, especially when children need new sizes as they grow.
Charities say families are still feeling the cost of getting children ready for school
Pelican Parcels says it is seeing more families seeking help as the new school year begins. Elaine Bailey, the charity’s head of operations, said every child should be able to start school feeling confident and wearing uniform and shoes that fit properly.
She said the cost of clothing can be overwhelming for many households. Last year, Pelican Parcels distributed more than 3,400 items to 520 children across 12 schools, and it is now looking for donations including polo shirts, pinafores and PE shorts.
In West Sussex, Horsham Matters has also raised concerns about the broader cost of kitting out children for school. The charity estimates parents spend £336 a year for primary school and £439 for secondary school. Its chief executive, Kelvin Glen, said poverty during school years can have lasting effects on attainment and future life chances.
The charities’ warnings suggest that, for some households, the new rules may not be enough to offset the wider cost of uniforms, shoes and other essentials.
What the new uniform rules mean for state schools and parents
The government’s policy took effect on 1 September and limits the number of mandatory branded items state schools can ask pupils to buy. Primary schools can require up to three branded items, while secondary schools can require up to four, including ties.
Ministers say the change should help reduce costs for parents and give families some breathing space. The Department for Education says the rules could save some parents up to £50 per child.
The department has also issued new guidance for schools aimed at bringing down the cost of individual items while keeping more money in the pockets of working families. The policy is intended to make it easier for parents to buy more generic clothing, rather than having to replace expensive logo-heavy kit every year.
Schools still have discretion over their own uniform policies, but the rules are meant to prevent excessive branding requirements and reduce the pressure on households buying for multiple children.
Parents in Worthing and Surrey say the bills still add up quickly
Some parents say they welcome the new rules, but believe the cost of school clothing remains high. Charlie Milner-Smith, from Worthing, said he has noticed prices rising as his son has moved up a year at school.
He said school shoes are particularly expensive and do not last long because children grow out of them so quickly. He added that the new rules are a good thing because they stop families having to keep up with trends and allow children to wear more generic items.
Steph Savage, from Surrey, said she could see the benefit of the changes for her two children. She said her most recent order cost £250 even though she already had some uniform, and that figure did not include branded items.
By contrast, Lucy Smith said her children’s school has been relaxed about uniform expectations. She said pupils could attend without branded clothing and there would be no questions asked, meaning the new rules have made little difference to her family.
Support groups are asking for donations as demand rises across the county
As families prepare for the school year, charities say they are likely to remain an important source of support for parents struggling with the cost of clothing, footwear and equipment. Pelican Parcels says the need is growing locally, and it wants more unbranded donations so it can keep helping children across Brighton and Hove and beyond.
The charity’s support has already reached hundreds of children in local schools, and it says the aim is to ensure children are not held back before term even starts. For many parents, the problem is not only the cost of the first uniform shop, but also the need to replace items as children grow or wear them out.
While the government argues the new limits on branded kit will save money, the charities’ message is that school uniform remains a real expense for many Sussex families.
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