School uniform costs in England

Are schools required to have a uniform?

Schools in England are not required to have a uniform, although the Department for Education (DfE) strongly recommends that they do.

Who decides a school’s uniform policy?

School governing bodies decide what a school’s uniform policy should be. The DfE expects school governing bodies to take account of its school uniform guidance when developing school uniform policies.

Are there limits on school uniform costs?

Since 2021, legislation has been in place to ensure school uniform costs do not become excessive. Guidance published by the DfE says that no school uniform should be so expensive that it leaves pupils or their families feeling unable to apply to, or attend, a school of their choice.

What does the guidance say?

The DfE’s statutory guidance on school uniform costs provides detail on the current rules, including draft guidance on the rules expected to come into force in September 2026.

Is there a limit on branded school uniform items?

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 says that state-funded schools can require three branded uniform items at primary level and four branded items at secondary level (if one item is a tie). The provision is not yet in force, but it is expected to be in place for the school year starting in September 2026.

How significant are current uniform costs?

Research published by the Department for Education in 2024 found that the cost of school uniforms was decreasing but remained a concern for parents.