Charity Reports Surge in Demand for Free School Uniforms as Costs Rise

A Hull charity distributing free second-hand school uniforms has helped over 100 children prepare for the new term, as demand surges ahead of new government restrictions on branded items taking effect from September 2026.

A Hull-based charity providing free school uniforms has assisted more than 100 children in preparing for the new academic year, as families across the region grapple with mounting costs ahead of government-imposed restrictions on branded items.

Doreen's, located at North Point Shopping Centre, collects unwanted uniforms and redistributes them at no cost to families throughout Hull. The organisation has experienced unprecedented demand in recent weeks, with queues forming outside the shop before opening times.

Ashleigh Hirst, the charity's co-founder, explained the scale of the challenge facing families in the area.

The demand is so high so we are just wanting to help with whatever we can.

She added that the charity had been particularly stretched during the week leading up to the new school term, having provided uniforms to between 100 and 200 customers in that period alone.

The surge in demand reflects broader concerns about the financial burden of school clothing. According to the latest Department for Education data, the average cost of a complete secondary school uniform and PE kit stands at £442, while primary school pupils require an average of £343 worth of clothing.

Hirst, aged 34, acknowledged that the scale of need had exceeded the charity's initial expectations.

We knew that there was a need, but we didn't realise how big of a need there actually was,

she said.

Similar pressures are being felt across the country. A Wirral-based uniform charity has reported record demand as families from both lower-income and more affluent backgrounds struggle with rising expenses. In Peterborough, more than 600 people queued at a uniform swap shop as organisers considered establishing it as a regular service.

What are the new government restrictions?

From 1 September 2026, new legal limits on branded school uniform items come into force across state-funded schools in England. Schools must limit compulsory branded uniform and PE kit items to three, or four for secondary and middle schools if one item is a tie, according to official government guidance.

The restrictions form part of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, which was enacted on 29 April 2026. The legislation defines school uniform to include a bag and any clothing required for school or for school-run activities, not just branded items.

Multiple rails of school uniform. — The new uniform policy is part of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026

The government has stated that these changes are designed to reduce the financial burden on parents, with potential savings of up to £50 per child. However, opinions on the effectiveness of the policy remain divided.

Will the new rules actually reduce costs?

Sam Singh, founder of Uniform Direct which operates stores in Lincolnshire, questioned whether the approach would deliver meaningful savings.

We believe that a cap on the cost of branded items and school uniform is the best way forward, rather than just capping the number of items.

Singh highlighted that trainers and school shoes are often among the most expensive components of a uniform.

Parents and campaigners have raised similar concerns. A Lancashire mum running a free uniform exchange has argued that the new branded-item cap won't cut costs, as pupils will still want matching kit.

Rosemary Randall, a parent from Hull with four children aged four, seven, nine and 11, described the main issue as extending beyond branded items alone. Before accessing Doreen's, she would have spent approximately £500 on uniforms for all four children. She emphasised that the broader challenge was the cost of clothing in general, rather than branded logos specifically.

Rosemary Randall standing in the charity's school uniform store, smiling at the camera. She has brown hair tied back and is wearing a pink coat. She has a silver piercing above her lip. — Rosemary Randall, from Hull, has four children aged four, seven, nine and 11

Helen Barley, from Cleethorpes, who has two children aged 10 and 13, described the situation as worsening annually.

It all adds up and I try to save a little bit of money each month, put it to one side, so I know that it's for the uniform shop.

She noted that a single pair of trousers and a blazer each cost her £25.

Randall said the charity had

massively supported

her family, providing essential assistance that would otherwise have been financially unattainable.

What does the charity hope for?

Hirst expressed her vision for a more comprehensive solution to uniform costs. She said she would welcome the prospect of free school uniforms for all children, but acknowledged the government's new restrictions as a positive step forward.

Anything like that would make a substantial difference to the families that we support in this area for certain,

she said.

The charity's experience demonstrates both the immediate relief that redistribution schemes can provide and the underlying structural challenges facing families managing school costs. As demand continues to grow, organisations like Doreen's are filling a critical gap in support for households struggling with the financial demands of education.