Cost of school uniform guidance

The Department for Education has published updated guidance on the cost of school uniforms.

From September 2026, all schools must limit the number of compulsory branded items of uniform and PE kit to three or fewer; secondary and middle schools are allowed a tie as a fourth.

Schools and their governing boards must have regard to this statutory guidance and read it alongside the non-statutory guidance on school uniform. The purpose of the statutory guidance is to ensure the cost of school uniforms is reasonable and provides the best value for money. This forms part of the government’s policies to reduce the cost of the school day and contributes to the child poverty strategy.