Updated uniform guidance: what steps should schools be taking?
As we approach the summer break, parents will no doubt be considering school uniforms for the new school year. As part of the changes under the Children’s Wellbeing and School Act 2026, the government sought to make school uniforms more affordable for parents by limiting how many branded items of school uniform and PE kits the pupils can be required to wear.
Published: July 7th, 2026
4 min read
To reflect this change, the Department’s non-statutory guidance “Developing school uniform policy”, together with the statutory guidance “Cost of school uniforms” have been updated to ensure that, from 1 September 2026, branded uniform limitations are effective.
What changes from 1 September 2026?
The purpose of the guidance is to ensure the cost of school uniforms is reasonable and provides the best value for money.
From September 2026 schools are required to limit the number of compulsory branded items of uniform and PE kit to 3 or fewer.
In secondary and middle schools, the number of compulsory branded items of uniform and PE kit is limited to 4 or fewer, if one of those items is a tie.
Uniform supply arrangements
As well as the new limitation on the number of compulsory branded items of uniform, schools will be aware that, pursuant to the statutory guidance, they should ensure that their uniform supply arrangements give the highest priority to cost and value for money. This means that the item’s quality, durability and sustainability should be considered.
In addition, single-supplier contracts should be avoided except in certain circumstances.
To further support parents in sourcing affordable school uniforms, schools should also ensure that there are opportunities available to buy second-hand uniforms, with information in this respect published on the school’s website.
What should schools do to comply with the new school uniform guidance?
The steps to be taken by schools to comply with the updated guidance is staggered across the next two school years.
Ahead of the start of the September term in 2026, schools should review their uniform policy to ensure that any requirements in respect of compulsory branded items are amended to comply with the new limitations, as well as any other necessary changes. In developing and implementing the uniform policy, it is key to keep in mind additional obligations including in respect of the Equality Act 2010.
Schools should also ensure that it is clear which branded uniform items will be compulsory from September 2026, and which will be optional. Parents should also be informed of any requirements for generic alternatives (such as colour, shade, fabric or fit), as well as where and how second-hand uniforms can be purchased.
In terms of existing supply arrangements, it will be necessary to review arrangements and potentially seek changes to ensure that any contractual implications are resolved. We recommend doing this as soon as possible as there may be notice requirements, or other obligations to amend contractual arrangements with uniform suppliers.
Whilst it may be a little time away yet, schools should also be conscious that before parents seek to purchase uniform in advance of the 2027 to 2028 school year, they should also:
Consider whether the total cost of their uniform might deter parents where their household is on low income from applying to the school
Consider the affordability to parents of both the individual uniform items they require and the total cost of all the items
Ensure that no item is unnecessarily high cost and minimising the cost of more expensive items, such as blazers and jumpers
It is vital that schools understand the new uniform requirements and are able to implement them effectively from 1 September 2026.
Here at Forbes, our Education team can provide advice and support in respect of updating your school’s uniform policy ahead of September 2026. As well as updating uniform policies, schools should also keep in mind that other statutory policies will also require review ahead of the start of the new school year, including for example child protection policies to align with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026. Our School Policies Package can support in this respect.
We can also support with reviewing and seeking changes to existing supply arrangements to ensure that school’s uniform contracts align with the new statutory requirements.
Please get in touch to find out more.
For further information please contact Coral Peutrill
