Bevan Foundation welcomes Welsh Government announcement on school uniforms

The Welsh Government has published new statutory guidance on school uniform to reduce costs for Welsh families 

The Bevan Foundation have welcomed the Welsh Government’s decision to publish new statutory guidance on school uniforms. The Foundation have long called on the Welsh Government to take action to reduce the price of school uniform and are pleased to see progress being made. 

Among the changes made in the latest statutory guidance schools will be told that they must not make school badges and logos on uniforms compulsory or force parents to buy branded items of clothing. This is sure to significantly ease the financial pressure faced by families as it makes it easier for parents and guardians to buy uniform from a variety of retailers. 

Reaction to the announcement in the Guardian, the Bevan Foundation’s Director, Dr Victoria Winckler said:

School uniforms can be really expensive, often because schools insist on branded items rather than uniform that can be bought on the high street.

The Welsh government provides cash towards uniforms and other essentials for pupils from low-income families, but it doesn’t go far when parents have to buy embroidered blazers and the like. The Bevan Foundation has been urging the Welsh government to stop schools penalising less well-off children by requiring expensive kit for some time and we warmly welcome their action.