- Bill passed in Parliament to tackle unreasonable school
uniform costs
- New law aims to ensure uniform is affordable for families of
all backgrounds
- Schools will have a legal duty to follow upcoming Government
guidance
School uniforms will be made more affordable for families under a
new law passed by parliament today (29 April).
The Act, which
received Royal Assent today, will require schools to follow new
statutory guidance on uniform costs, instructing them to keep
prices down.
The cross-party support for the Bill recognised the costs parents
face for school uniform, particularly for branded items, and the
statutory guidance will tell schools to consider high street
alternatives.
It will also include measures on encouraging second-hand uniform,
schools’ arrangements with suppliers, and ensuring parents have
access to clear information about uniform policies.
School Standards Minister said:
“School uniforms are important in establishing the right ethos in
a school. They also help to improve behaviour and a sense of
belonging and identity. But we want to be sure they are
affordable for parents.
“This new law will help to save families money and ensure the
cost of a blazer or shirt is never a barrier to accessing the
best possible education.”
The new law, introduced as a Private Members’ Bill by and given
Government backing, enables the Government to set statutory
guidance for schools to consider about costs for uniforms.
The Department will publish the statutory guidance in the autumn
this year, which will focus on ensuring costs are reasonable for
families of all backgrounds and giving parents the best value for
money.
It will also advise schools to make sure that when they take up
contracts with uniform suppliers, they are competitive and
transparent in order to keep costs down.
The Government is committed to ensuring no family is deterred
from applying to a school due to the costs for its uniform. Once
guidance is published, schools will be required by law to
consider it when developing their uniform policies.
Matt Easter, Co-Chair of the Schoolwear Association
said:
“As the leading schoolwear industry body, we welcome the Bill and
the help it will provide for schools looking for further guidance
on their uniform policies, to ensure the process of choosing a
uniform supplier is as robust, competitive and easy as possible.
“In particular, we welcome the Government’s recognition that the
quality and longevity of garments should be considered alongside
their cost. Whilst the vast majority of schools already work hard
to keep their uniforms affordable, this Bill is an important step
to help them continue to make the best decisions on their uniform
policies and offer the best support to parents.”
, Chief
Executive of The Children’s Society, said:
“We are thrilled this new law has passed and we thank Minister
Gibb and the Department for Education for their support. This
legislation will be vital in ensuring that school uniforms become
more affordable for families across the country.
“Young people told us back in 2014 that high-priced school
uniforms had a huge impact on their ability to make the most of
their education. We hope this new law will make children feel
more equal to their classmates and make life easier for
struggling families. ”
