The School Uniform Law: A Step Forward but Still Not Good Enough
A recent BBC article (BBC News, 2025) describes a newly passed law intended to curb the spiralling cost of school uniforms for parents. The law requires schools to explain the rationale behind uniform pricing and opens the possibility of imposing a cap on costs. While these steps are commendable they are far from sufficient. Without a binding price-limit cap on what schools may charge for uniform items, the risk remains that costs will stay prohibitively high for many families.
The problem of no price cap
Requiring schools merely to justify their uniform costs is a modest transparency measure. But if a school is allowed to demand a blazer from a specific supplier at an inflated price, it can still exploit the system. Evidence from elsewhere in the UK underscores the danger: branded school uniforms often cost more than double equivalent non-branded high street items (Adams, 2024). Without a cap, schools can continue to choose exclusive suppliers, require multiple logo-emblazoned pieces, and force parents into costly purchasing decisions. A true cap, tied to fair market rates, is essential to prevent unfair practices.
The cost burden on families in Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, a survey by Parentkind (2021) found that parents spend on average £173 per primary child and £378 per post-primary child on uniform, PE kit and footwear. Another investigation by ScopeNI (2023) highlights that when schools mandate branded or single-supplier items, costs rise by roughly 50 %. In some cases, schools are charging up to £600 for uniforms, straining family budgets (Belfast Telegraph, 2022).
The Department of Education has acknowledged these pressures and introduced a School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Bill in the Northern Ireland Assembly to give legal backing to affordability measures (Department of Education NI, 2024). Yet support schemes lag behind. The uniform grant in Northern Ireland is modest: £42.90 for a primary pupil, £61.20 for a post-primary under 15, and £67.20 for those over 15, with an extra £26.40 for PE kit (NIDirect, 2024) – far below actual costs. Researchers from Ulster University have argued that the grant should be raised and broadened to reflect real costs (View Digital, 2023).
A wider study of the cost-of-living crisis in NI found that 60% of parents say covering school uniform is financially challenging, and among low-income households the figure was 73% (Women’s Regional Consortium, 2023). When uniform costs absorb a large slice of limited household income, families may delay replacing worn items, rely on charity or hand-me-downs, or even avoid certain schools. These are deeply unfair consequences that a weak law cannot resolve.
Where and how to get cheaper uniforms in Northern Ireland
Until a proper cap or stronger affordability measures are introduced, families must depend on community resources, swaps, and second-hand initiatives. There are several practical routes to reduce costs:
- Uniform grants and benefits – Families in receipt of Income Support, Universal Credit or Jobseeker’s Allowance can apply for the School Uniform Allowance through the Education Authority. Although limited, this provides crucial help for essential items (Education Authority, 2024).
- Uniform swap shops and reuse schemes – Many schools now operate uniform exchange schemes where parents donate outgrown items for redistribution. Councils such as Belfast City Council have hosted summer “Uniform Swap Shops”, reducing waste and financial pressure (Belfast City Council, 2023).
- Community and church initiatives – Local churches and community organisations, particularly in rural areas, hold uniform banks throughout July and August. These are free and open to all families, with no proof of income required.
- Online marketplaces and local buy-and-sell groups – Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and local community pages are increasingly popular for affordable or free uniforms. Parents often list items for £1–£5 or offer full sets for collection.
- School-based second-hand sales – A growing number of post-primary schools now host uniform fairs at the end of term. Some offer discounts on new stock or sell gently used uniforms at reduced prices, often organised by Parent-Teacher Associations.
Academic research supports the importance of such schemes. A study by the Children’s Society (2023) found that access to uniform banks and swaps reduced parental financial stress and improved pupils’ attendance, self-esteem and engagement. Reuse initiatives also align with sustainability goals, reducing textile waste and carbon output (UNESCO, 2022).
While these grassroots initiatives cannot replace government responsibility, they exemplify community resilience. However, they must not become a permanent substitute for adequate policy. Reliance on charity and informal swaps reflects a system failing to meet families’ basic educational needs.
Why girls should be able to wear trousers
Uniform policies have long enforced a binary distinction: girls must wear skirts or dresses, boys trousers. This disadvantages girls in multiple ways.
First, comfort and practicality: skirts can restrict movement, make cycling or walking awkward, and expose girls to cold or embarrassment. Observational studies have found that some girls perceive their full school-day uniforms as a barrier to active travel or breaktime play (Parnell et al., 2024). A Cambridge study across 135 countries found that in places with mandatory uniforms, fewer children meet recommended activity levels, especially girls (Corder et al., 2024).
Second, body image, confidence and participation: a UK study of PE uniform policies found that designs often favour the male body shape, leaving girls self-conscious or uncomfortable in ill-fitting clothing (Jones and Millar, 2024).
Third, equality and dignity: enforcing gendered clothing reinforces stereotypes and restricts autonomy. There is no pedagogical reason to force girls into skirts. Surveys show that 40 % of UK respondents support gender-neutral uniform policies allowing all pupils to choose trousers or skirts (YouGov, 2022).
Fourth, safety and modesty: trousers provide more coverage and warmth, particularly during winter or long commutes. They reduce the risk of unwanted exposure or embarrassment, enabling girls to feel more secure.
Some argue skirts preserve tradition or uniformity, yet equality need not compromise cohesion. Schools can maintain consistent dress codes while granting choice.
Conclusion and demands
The BBC article’s described law is a welcome first step in recognising that uniform costs are pressing. But without a binding price-limit cap, transparency alone will not stop overcharging. In Northern Ireland families already pay far more than the modest grant covers. Any sustainable reform must include:
- A legally enforceable cap on uniform prices relative to market averages
- Multi-supplier requirements and prohibition of exclusive branded mandates
- Increased grants and subsidies
- Support for uniform banks and swap schemes
- Mandatory gender-neutral uniform options
Schools, parents and policymakers must press not just for symbolic change but for structural fairness. No child should be penalised for the uniform their school demands.