Upcoming school uniform changes

As well as a general recommendation to keep all branded items to a minimum, the legal requirement will now set a compulsory limit of three items (four items for secondary/middle schools if it includes a tie), and this includes PE kit. 

To be clear on the terms used:

• 'Branded' doesn't just cover items with a school's name or logo on it, it includes anything that can only be bought from a nominated supplier (e.g. because of the colour, design etc.)
• 'Compulsory' is where a pupil is required to have it, whether that is during the school day, for travelling to/from the school, or to take part in any school club or activity.

Schools can have additional optional branded uniform but must allow equivalent unbranded versions of that item and should set out any appropriate requirements.

On 6 July 2026, the DfE updated its Guidance on 'Cost of school uniforms', ‘Developing school uniform policy’ and 'Procuring school uniform supplies' to reflect the new requirements.

Cost of school uniforms

This is Statutory Guidance, meaning schools must have regard to it, and its purpose is to ensure the cost of school uniforms is reasonable and provides the best value for money. Affordability should never be a barrier to pupils and parents attending school.

As above, branded items should be kept to a minimum, and schools must follow the new rules on limiting compulsory items of branded school uniform. The uniform policy should be published online, written in plain language, and make clear what’s compulsory or optional. Second‑hand uniforms should be easy for all parents to access, with clear information provided online.

Schools should consider:

• The total cost of the uniform,
• How it can create a shared identity,
• What is required practically,
• Their obligations under the Equality Act,
• Safeguarding, and health and safety considerations, and
• The wishes of parents and pupils.

Frequent uniform changes should be avoided, and reasonable transition periods should be used when it happens. PE kit should be simple, and additional or sport‑specific requirements should be minimised. Where non‑compliance stems from financial hardship, pupils shouldn’t miss classroom teaching or wider school activities

Single-supplier contracts should be avoided unless regular tendering competitions are run where more than one supplier can compete for the contract and the best value for money is secured. The contract should be re-tendered at least every 5 years.

Developing school uniform policy

When developing its policy, schools are encouraged to engage parents and pupils, factor in comfort and inclusion (including protected characteristics), and consider “active” uniforms that allow free movement. They should build in sensible adjustments for extreme weather, think about safety for pupils who walk or cycle (for example, visibility on dark evenings), publish the policy clearly on their website, and review it periodically. Plans should be included for providing practical support where pupils lack the correct or clean uniform to help attendance and reduce the risk of bullying. Schools should also consider environmental sustainability and set a clear, consistently applied position on political impartiality (for example, rules on badges or slogans).

PE kit should be practical, comfortable, suitable for the relevant activities and affordable. Pupils should be offered choices to support participation and dignity (e.g. girls being able to wear shorts, skorts, tracksuit bottoms or leggings) and schools should consider reducing peer pressure to wear designer sportswear by stating items should not have visible logos or branding.

Schools should avoid unlawful discrimination, consider reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils, and be mindful of guidance on preventing hair discrimination. Pupils’ rights to manifest religion or belief may be limited where justified (for example, safety), and policies should avoid rigid gender stereotypes while keeping costs broadly comparable across options.

Non‑compliance should be handled proportionately under the behaviour policy, taking account of hardship. Non‑uniform days should be inclusive, low‑cost and not dependent on donations. Complaints should be resolved locally via the school’s complaints process, with supplier complaints procedures in place where relevant.

Procuring school uniform supplies

The priority is to keep costs down for families while still getting durable, good‑quality garments. Schools should talk to parents and pupils about what’s practical, including accessibility needs and sustainability. Items should be easy to care for, ideally machine‑washable. Thought should be given to how the uniform will be sold and returned, whether that’s online, in a local shop or via in‑school pop‑ups.

On procurement, the key is fair competition and transparency. Schools should run a genuine competitive process, treat all bidders equally, and publish the results. If the value of the contract is above the procurement threshold, then a compliant process will need to be followed (it should be noted the Guidance refers to outdated threshold levels, as on 1 January 2026 the threshold changed from £214,904 (including VAT) to £207,720 (including VAT). If the contract value is below threshold, then a minimum of three quotes should be requested.

Key advice is to prepare properly: schools should speak to potential suppliers, plan sales channels and returns, and manage any exit from their current contract (looking out for any liability for unsold stock).

It is suggested that prices should be fixed for the first twelve months, with any price increases being covered in the contract (e.g. in line with CPI). Other contract terms should cover exclusivity, intellectual property, change control, stock transfer and termination. Automatic renewals should be avoided.

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If you need more information or support on this, please contact Matthew Wolton in our Commercial Team.