School uniforms
Overview
As part of a collaborative effort to reduce Child Poverty the UK the Children and Wellbeing Schools Bill is introducing changes to school uniform guidance for schools will take effect from September 2026. The bill sets out the governments ambitions for schools to meet the incoming requirements on the limits to compulsory branded items and ensure school uniforms are affordable for parents and carers.
Within Cheshire West and Chester the wider vision is that everyone in full time education in Cheshire West has equal opportunity and access to the things they need to fully participate in all of school life.
From September 2026 schools should:
- limit the number of compulsory branded items of uniform and PE Kit to 3 or fewer
- secondary and middle schools should limit the number of compulsory branded items of uniform and PE kit to 4 or fewer, if one is a tie
- publish their revised uniform policy on school website and ensure it is easily understood for parents with requirements specified and for news starters
To achieve this we wish to create an impact that:
Ensures every school has a clear uniform policy which promotes access and choice to quality, affordable uniform in a way that supports inclusivity, dignity and is mindful of the environment.
The aims align with our existing education welfare service duties and attendance, our inclusion matters strategy, our tackling poverty strategy (A Fairer Futures) and our tackling the climate emergency response plan.
The Bill sets an ambition to cut over £70 million from the cost of uniforms for families across the UK and to bring down the cost of school uniform by limiting the number of branded items of uniform and PE kits that schools require. To read the updated statutory guidance on the cost of school uniforms please see the Gov.UK website.
