New limits on branded school uniform

This article is part of our series of briefings on The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

In the lead up to the General Election, Labour pledged to: “bring down the cost of school by limiting the number of branded items of uniform and PE kit that schools can require”. The provisions in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill propose to turn that promise into law.

Current statutory guidance on the cost of school uniforms states that schools should think about the total cost of uniforms and “keep the use of branded items to a minimum”. The Bill removes the vagueness around what “to a minimum” means by specifying a maximum of three branded items (excluding a tie for middle and secondary school pupils).

What counts as school uniform?

The Bill also provides clarity as to what 'school uniform' actually encompasses, providing a definition of: 

This goes beyond the typical school day and imposes restrictions on branded items for after school or extracurricular activities facilitated by the school. Therefore, if pupils have previously been required to purchase items of clothing where the events are facilitated by the school, this will require consideration by the school. For example, a school’s football, rugby or hockey team will all fall within the requirements.

While schools can offer branded items for purchase, loan them or provide them to pupils, the items of clothing cannot be a requirement for those taking part.

Which activities are covered?

There may be some questions as to whether activities where the school are attending but not officially leading fall within this bracket, due to the phrasing of “event facilitated by the school”, such as sport or performing arts competitions. However, at present, it would be safer to assume that they do when deciding what branded items of school uniform are required. Scout or Cadet Forces are not included. 

There are also provisions explaining what will be classed as a “branded item”. This goes beyond something simply having the school logo or name on it or attached to it. Indeed, an item is classed as branded if:

The inclusion of colours and fabrics in this context may seem broad, but it does align with the Government’s position that schools should avoid selecting items of school uniform that can only be purchased from a specific or a limited number of suppliers.

What schools need to consider

Overall, the Bill, when it becomes law, will require schools to really prioritise which items they wish to be branded. While the Bill does not expressly address the price of such branded items, the proposed restrictions should go some way to reduce the costs for parents.

The Bill itself does not indicate how schools should implement the new uniform requirements and how they should handle introducing the new uniform where the current pupils already use the existing uniform policy. 

As the basis of this part of the Bill is to reduce uniform costs for parents, there may be some instances where existing pupils and new pupils have different uniforms for a period of time. The key point is that the three branded limit will mean further branded items cannot be compulsory, but there would be nothing to stop them being optional, for example for a period of time after the change. 

When do the new uniform rules take effect?

This requirement is expected to come into force from September 2026, with the Government having updated its uniform guidance to include draft provisions that will come into force once passed. Schools should therefore be thinking about this now, so any changes to uniform policy can be communicated to parents ahead of the new school year.

If you need help or advice on your uniform policy, please contact us. 

Find out more about The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill