A majority of parents (85%) believe that reducing branded uniform requirements could lower costs, with 73% feeling it would financially benefit them, and most (86%) think the number of branded items does not influence student behavior.

Some educators, like Katharine Birbalsingh, express concern that restricting branded items might hinder efforts to improve student behavior.

Support for making uniforms more affordable is growing among children's organizations and school leaders, who suggest limiting branded items or capping costs, alongside schools already working to reduce expenses.

The UK government plans to enforce a law from September 2026 that limits the number of branded uniform items to three per school, plus a tie for secondary schools, aiming to reduce costs, with some schools adopting these changes voluntarily beforehand.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson advocates for immediate reduction of branded items, emphasizing that school uniforms should not be a financial burden and urging schools to act to ease families' financial pressures.

A survey of 2,000 parents in England shows nearly half (45%) are worried about the cost of school uniforms for the new year, with many resorting to credit, buy now pay later schemes, or making sacrifices like going without food or heating.

More than a quarter of parents (29%) have said they would go without heating or eating, and 31% might go into debt, to afford uniforms, highlighting the financial strain on families.

Currently, some schools require parents to buy over five branded items, costing up to £400, but legislation will soon allow cheaper, non-branded staples from general retailers.

To help families manage expenses, the government announced early benefit payments for millions of families ahead of the new school year, emphasizing that no family should have to choose between essentials and school supplies.

Schoolwear retailers warn that the cap on branded items could lead to increased costs by encouraging parents to buy lower-quality, non-branded items that may need replacing more frequently.

Parenting groups and school leaders continue to highlight ongoing financial struggles faced by families, calling for broader government strategies to address child poverty and economic hardship.