School uniform grants: How thousands of parents can get £200 free cash help

School uniform can be really expensive - but there is help out there if you're struggling with the cost of sending your kids back to school.

You could get up to £200 toward school uniform costs if you're on a low income, claiming benefits or receiving free school meals. The grants, which don't need to be paid back, are provided by some local councils.

School uniform grants are provided by all councils in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and only some in England. This is because the help isn’t a statutory requirement in England, which means councils don’t have to offer the support.

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The exact eligibility criteria varies between councils. The average cost of compulsory secondary school uniform and sportswear in England for 2024 is £92.35 per pupil, according to the Schoolwear Association.

School uniform grants explained

England: Last year, only 28 councils in England provided school uniform grants, according to MoneySavingExpert.com. City of London council awarded £160 in help for secondary school kids, while Sandwell Council offered £25 per secondary school child.

If you’re not sure who your local council is, enter your postcode on GOV.UK.

Scotland: All councils in Scotland offer school uniform grants worth at least £120 if your child is in primary school, and £150 if they are in secondary school.

Some councils pay more than this - for example, Shetland Islands Council offers grants of £150 if your child is in early years, £180 for primary school children and £225 if your child is in secondary school.

Most councils will accept applications from July until the end of March. Visit MyGov.scot for more information.

Wales: All councils in Wales offer school uniform grants worth £125, or £200 if your child is going into secondary school.

The 2025/26 scheme is open now and will close on May 31, 2026. Find more information on Gov.Wales.

Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland families can get up to £93.60 to put toward school uniform costs if the child is in secondary school and is 15 years or older.

If they're in secondary school but under the age of 15, the rate is £87.60. The grant is worth £42.90 for primary school pupils. The deadline to apply is July 25, 2025, through the Education Authority website.

Other ways to get help with school uniform

If your council doesn’t offer a school uniform grant, you may be able to claim help through its Household Support Fund. It is also worth speaking to your school to see what help they can offer you.

Some charities also offer grants to help cover the costs of school uniform - although again, you'll normally need to be on a low income or claim benefits. Turn2Us has a free grants search tool so you can find out what help is available to you.

It is also worth keeping an eye on local buy and sell Facebook groups for other parents selling school uniform.