Children face punishment because of unaffordable school uniforms, new poll reveals

Thousands of children are being unfairly punished and excluded from education activities because their families cannot afford expensive school uniforms, according to new research conducted by Dr Matt Barnes, Senior Lecturer in Sociology at City St George’s, University of London for The Children’s Society.

In a poll conducted among 3,000 parents across the UK, the charity found that more than two in five children (44%) experienced negative consequences due to unaffordable school uniforms. Shockingly, punishments included detentions (12%), isolation (9%), and even exclusions (8%).

Secondary school children faced the harshest treatment, with one in eight (12%) being placed in isolation for uniform breaches out of their control.

Cost pressures remain severe for families, with two in five parents (38%) reporting ongoing difficulties affording mandatory uniforms and PE kits. Despite minor improvements, such as increased availability of second-hand uniforms, 42% of parents said uniform costs had not become more affordable in the last year.

The data shows widespread support among parents (78%) for the urgent introduction of a statutory limit. Parents on average chose three branded uniform items when asked if an item limit was introduced. Currently, schools require an average of five branded items for primary school children and six for secondary, well above what parents say is necessary or affordable.

Mark Russell, CEO at The Children’s Society said:

“Punishing children for circumstances outside their control is deeply unjust. Every child should be able to attend school without fear of detention, isolation, or exclusion because of uniform costs their families cannot afford

“With school uniform costs still crippling family budgets, we welcome the proposed limit of three branded items as set out in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill urge the government to implement it, especially as parents overwhelmingly support this much needed change.

“At a time when many families are already struggling to afford the basics, we can’t let the cost of school uniforms make life even harder for children.”

Dr Barnes added:

These findings show that despite recent progress, too many families are still under real pressure to afford school uniform. The strong support for limiting branded items makes clear that parents want practical, affordable solutions.

I hope the Government moves quickly to implement the new limit on the number of branded uniform items school can have, and that schools review and amend their uniform policies accordingly.

A small change in policy can make a big difference to families struggling with everyday living costs.

The poll highlights that school jumpers, cardigans, PE tops, and ties remain the most commonly required branded items, significantly inflating costs. The survey also reveals regional hotspots where parents struggle most, notably Northern Ireland (44%), Wales (42%), and major cities including Brighton (52%) and Norwich (48%).

Ahead of the summer break, when families traditionally face mounting uniform bills for September, The Children’s Society is also promoting increased access to uniform banks and affordable second-hand uniform options, collaborating with charity shops and community initiatives across the UK.