School uniform costs hit families, say charities

Steph Savage, from Surrey, can see the new rules helping with costs for her two children.

She told the BBC she had just made an order, and despite already owning some uniform, spent £250. This did not include branded items.

"It's quite a lot to ask from parents to buy all the uniform and school-specific stuff as well – that all adds up," Savage said.

Meanwhile, Lucy Smith, mother of two, said her children's school had been "quite easy-going".

"If our kids walked in without any branded uniform there'd be no questions asked anyway, so it's not made much of a difference to our family," she added.

In a statement from the Department for Education, a spokesperson said limiting branded items would give families breathing space and save some parents up to £50 per child.

It said it was supporting schools with new guidance to take steps to bring down costs for individual items, while "keeping more money in the pockets of hardworking families".

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, external, on X, external, and on Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk, external or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.