September 2026 may feel like a long way away, but new government guidelines on school uniform indicate schools should get a head start on preparation for the next academic year now.

Many of these updates on uniform policy are currently presented as draft guidance because they feature in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which the government intends to make law in September 2026.

Given that many suppliers plan production nine to 12 months in advance, with branded uniform stock typically being ordered by December for the following summer, the government recommends schools get ahead of this new guidance now.

For the most part, the changes are to ensure school uniform remains as affordable as possible.

This comes after recent polling found almost half of parents said their child had been told off for wearing uniform from a supermarket rather than a specific supplier, and 47 per cent said they were worried about being able to afford uniform.

Clearly, uniform is a crucial issue for parents and schools alike. Here is everything leaders need to know about the updates.

Limit on ‘branded items’

The biggest change comes around branded items.

Once the bill becomes law, it will be mandatory for schools to make no more than three branded items of uniform or PE kit compulsory for pupils. This increases to four at secondary and middle schools if one item is a tie.

It’s worth noting the government’s definition of “branded” - because this term doesn’t just refer to items emblazoned with school or trust names or logos.

The definition also includes “any item that, due to its colour, design, fabric or other distinctive characteristic, is only available from the school’s or trust’s appointed uniform supplier(s)”. For example, a sweatshirt with a specific-coloured trim, or trousers with a unique style that are only available from one supplier.

Comparatively, a navy cardigan or grey pleated skirt that can be bought from a range of retailers would not be considered branded.

Typically, if the item cannot be purchased at a number of outlets, it is likely to be branded.

All of this is in aid of parents having more choice and control over where they can purchase uniform - and therefore its cost.

What about bags and other items?

It’s also important to note that the limit on branded items includes bags, including book bags or rucksacks, as well as items worn only at particular times of year, such as summer dresses.

The maximum of three branded items (or four, including a tie at secondary) is a year-round total, including all items and accessories for school, PE and any after-school clubs.

However, if a school allows pupils to choose between different branded items - such as between a branded skirt or branded trousers - that only counts as one item, as the pupil is only required to have one of the two.

The guidance states that where a school chooses a branded item, it should consider how to keep costs low, perhaps by using sew-on or iron-on badges, or limiting the branding to longer-lasting items, such as ties, rather than items that parents might need to buy more frequently and in larger quantities, such as shirts.

It adds that if a school asks parents to sew badges onto generic items, those items become branded, and will therefore be considered in the limit.

In addition, if a school offers optional branded items - perhaps a winter hat bearing the school logo - it should also ensure that wearing an equivalent unbranded version of that item - such as a plain black woollen hat - is permitted, with those requirements set out.

Loaned and gifted items

Most schools give out uniform to families in need, while lots have second-hand uniform shops in their buildings.

So it is worth noting that even loaned or gifted branded items - that parents might not have paid for themselves - will be captured within the three- or four-item limit.

The guidance adds that schools can continue to lend, give out or sell additional branded items, so long as they are optional.

Where schools might lend or give out additional branded items, such as kits for sports competitions, pupils should not be required to wear them unless they count towards the limit.

If a pupil does not want or is unable to wear a loaned branded item, perhaps for medical or health reasons, schools should allow them to wear a suitable alternative, perhaps a plain sports shirt in a similar colour, or a different branded item that is already part of their PE kit or uniform.

Next steps

With these changes in mind, the guidance urges schools to review their uniform policy to ensure it meets the requirements, and to confirm as soon as possible which branded items, within the limit, will be compulsory from September 2026.

In addition, schools should assess their existing supply arrangements, seek legal advice where necessary and discuss any changes with suppliers promptly.

Schools should publish their revised uniform policy on their website and ensure that all parents are made aware of where second-hand uniforms can be purchased. The guidance adds that this facility should be made available to all parents before the start of the new academic year.

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