Slash your school uniform bill: Grants of up to £200 offered by councils, MSE reports

Parents are being encouraged to check if they're eligible for school uniform grants that could cut costs by up to £200. The consumer champion Martin Lewis' website, MoneySavingExpert (MSE), has highlighted the availability of non-repayable uniform grants from various UK councils, as families face 'exorbitant' school kit expenses. In 2023, the cost of secondary school uniforms hit as high as £422, with primary outfits reaching £287, according to The Children’s Society.

"Generally, the minimum UK-wide requirement to get a school uniform grant is to qualify for means-tested free school meals – even if you don't actually get them," writers at MSE explained. "However, local authorities can set their own school uniform grant eligibility criteria on top, and some councils include additional requirements – for example, in some cases your child has to be in a specific year group or moving from primary to secondary school to qualify."

Currently, every council in Northern Ireland and Wales offers fixed school uniform grants of £93.60 and £200 per child respectively. Scotland also provides at least £120 per child, with the possibility of more depending on the council. In contrast, England presents a varied picture, with different councils providing varying amounts based on several conditions.

York, Westminster, Greenwich, Tower Hamlets and Islington are among nine councils that have been revealed by MSE as offering £100 or more in uniform grants per child. Wandsworth outdoes the lot, providing a hefty £170 grant per child and issues vouchers 'automatically to those eligible', skipping the application process.

In contrast, Haringey has set its grant at just £60 per child, but that's only available to parents who register before 31 March 2025, while both Hull and Nottingham offer a modest £40 per child to those eligible.

Other councils such as Essex, Lancashire, South Gloucestershire, and Southend-on-Sea also provide financial aid for uniforms, though these are reserved for 'exceptional circumstances' only, according to MSE. This includes dire situations like homelessness or recovering from a natural disaster like a flood or fire.

If you can't get help from your council in this way, MSE recommends asking the school directly for financial assistance or searching Facebook for second-hand clothes or swap shops. They added: "Facebook Marketplace and eBay can also be a treasure trove – we've previously found some logo sweatshirts, an official tie, generic trousers and more for free, as well as hundreds of other items for about £2 to £5."

For more information, head to MSE's website. The Household Support Fund allows councils in England to tap into funds aimed at assisting those in dire need with essential costs, which can include school attire in certain instances.

Each council has the discretion to decide how to distribute the funds, meaning eligibility criteria and benefits can vary. For instance, some councils have allocated additional funding to schools for distribution, while others offer direct assistance to vulnerable households in the form of supermarket vouchers.

Originally, the scheme was due to conclude this month, but the Government has now confirmed it will be extended until April 2025. It's advisable to contact your local council as soon as possible to find out what they offer, as funds could be depleted at any moment.

If you're unable to access financial aid through the Household Support Fund, your council may have alternative schemes that could assist you.