New School Uniform Law To Cut Number Of Branded Items Parents Must Buy

New School Uniform Law to Cut Number of Branded Items Parents Must Buy Parents in England should have to spend less on school uniforms from September, under a new law limiting the number of branded items schools can require pupils to buy. The changes will come into force on 1 September 2026, meaning schools across England will face new legal limits on compulsory branded school uniform and PE kit. Under the new rules, most schools will be able to require parents to buy no more than three branded items of uniform or PE kit. Secondary and middle schools can require up to four branded items if one of those items is a school tie. The government says the measure is designed to give families more choice over where they buy school uniform and help reduce the financial pressure associated with the start of a new school year A branded item is generally clothing that is specific to a particular school, rather than a standard item that can easily be bought from different retailers. This can include items such as school-branded blazers, jumpers, PE tops, skirts, trousers or bags. The new limit applies to compulsory branded items required for school, travel to and from school, lessons, clubs and activities, including after-school activities. Branded bags such as book bags and rucksacks can also count towards the limit. Schools will still be able to make additional branded items available for parents to buy, but those items must be optional. Where an optional branded item is offered, schools should also allow parents to use an equivalent unbranded item where appropriate. The government says branded uniforms can be more expensive because families may be restricted to buying them from particular suppliers. By increasing the number of items that can be purchased as generic uniform, parents should have more freedom to shop around and choose cheaper alternatives. The Department for Education says schools should give priority to cost and value for money, while ensuring uniforms remain good quality, durable and suitable for pupils. The government has also said the wider package of children’s reforms could save families up to £1,000 a year, although that figure covers several measures, including free school meals and breakfast clubs, rather than school uniform alone. The new guidance says schools should make second-hand uniforms accessible to parents and publish information about how they can be obtained on their websites. Schools are also expected to avoid unnecessary requirements for expensive branded items, particularly higher-cost garments such as blazers and jumpers. The government says generic uniform items should be available from a range of retailers so parents have greater choice over how much they spend.

For parents, the biggest change is that they should no longer be required to buy a large number of school-specific garments. For example, a school could still require a branded blazer, jumper and PE top, but it could not also require several additional compulsory branded garments if doing so would take the total above the legal limit. Schools have been told to review their uniform policies ahead of the new academic year and make clear which branded items will remain compulsory from September. The government hopes the changes will give families more control over uniform spending while allowing schools to retain a limited number of branded items to maintain school identity. The new rules form part of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, which amended the Education Act 1996 to introduce the legal limit on compulsory branded uniform and PE kit.