What is the school uniform grant, who is eligible, how to apply? | UK News

Uniform doesn’t come cheap though, and in the current cost of living crisis, when prices have rocketed on everything from essentials to energy bills, kitting your kids out in a new uniform for the new year could prove tricky for those struggling to make ends meet.

However, help is available in some areas in the shape of the school uniform grant, a scheme set up by the Government to help support parents with the cost of buying new school uniforms for their children.

It is offered to families on low incomes to help them manage their budget when they need to prepare their children for a new year at school.

It is part of the Education Act 1980, but it is not compulsory, which means that several councils have now withdrawn from the scheme.

Here is everything you need to know about how to apply for the school uniform grant.

How to get the school uniform grant

The scheme is only available with certain councils so you will first need to check if your local council offers the support by going on the Gov.uk website.

If yours doesn’t offer the grant, you may still be able to apply for a discount on the school uniforms by speaking to your child’s school.

You can submit your application for the grant by submitting a form through your local council’s website, but to be eligible your household must be earning less than £16,190 a year.

You also must be receiving benefits such as income support, job seeker’s allowance or child tax credit.

Applicants must also prove that they are legally responsible for the child that they are applying for, which usually requires you to send copy of your bank statement to the school admissions, to confirm the child benefit payments that you receive.

It is also worth checking whether you qualify for other financial support for your child’s education, including travel relief and access to free school meals.

What are the rules around uniform?

The Government website states that schools must follow legal guidelines when it comes to the cost of school uniform.

This should never be a barrier to families and pupils applying to and attending a school – with schools told to limit the number of branded items in the uniform and to make sure second-hand uniforms are available.

Information on how to buy second-hand uniform should be posted on the school’s website.

Parents who cannot afford the uniform or PE kit should contact the headteacher to see how the school can help.

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