Rebekah, a grandmother from the city of Canterbury, catches a bus to get to the Community Wardrobe in neighbouring Whitstable. There, she scores low-cost secondhand school uniforms for her grandkids. Students can find free, fashionable, and gently-used clothing in the hub. It’s become a pivotal resource for families who struggle with the burden of cost to in-demand school clothing. Thousands of parents tell us they would be forced to pay large costs, often over £150 upfront per school year.
Its primary goal is to assist families in relieving financial stress by offering three fundamental clothing necessities. However, starting in the 2026/27 school year, a maximum will be put into place on the number of branded products offered. Beneficiaries are eligible to receive three sets of standardized elementary school uniforms and four for high schools. These uniforms are usually made out of navy blue and turquoise, with the school badge emblazoned on the blouse or dress.
For Gabriel, another parent who uses the Community Wardrobe, having these resources available has been a huge relief. He stated, “I’m here because I don’t want to go to the official outfitters and spend £150 which I don’t really have.” His sentiments are becoming the norm as more cash-strapped parents are opting for used uniforms to help save a little extra money.
Co-ordinator of the Community Wardrobe project, Isobel Legg has heard many heartwarming responses from the people who use its services. Visitors often refer to the hub as a “lifesaver.” It allows them to better care for their children by relieving burdens that enable them to avoid a happy healthy home. The financial burden of having to purchase new uniforms is placing difficult decisions on many parents. They are forced to choose between putting protein in their diets or adding heat to their homes.
Sara Beadle, from the charity Stripey Stork in Reigate, Surrey, told the committee an alarming statistic. Nearly 3,000 parents told us their children were being punished or excluded inappropriately for not being able to pay through the nose for expensive uniforms. These insights highlight how difficult it is for American families to manage the costs of education.
By saving families money, the Community Wardrobe hopes to empower diverse families to send their children back to school in style. By providing affordable options, it allows parents like Rebekah, who cares for her granddaughter after her daughter’s passing, to focus on essential family needs without compromising on their children’s education.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has highlighted the importance of this issue, stating, “School uniform matters, but it shouldn’t break the bank. No family should have to choose between putting food on the table and buying a new blazer.”
