School uniforms

Where to get help buying a school uniform

First, speak to your child’s school to see if they can help you get a uniform.

Schools know that paying for uniforms can be hard. They often run uniform swaps or offer lower-cost items.

Your school should know how to find local uniform banks, community groups or charities that help you find good quality items.

Can East Sussex County Council help pay for a school uniform?

We can’t help with the cost of buying a uniform, but we can give advice on the cost of living.

Cost of living support

Or if you’re working with an Early Help Keyworker or Social Worker, check with them. They will be able to talk to you about any support you are eligible for.

Find cheaper uniform items from a uniform bank

We aim to keep our list of uniform projects up to date so that you can find good quality uniform at lower cost.

If you know of any other uniform banks or similar, please let us know. We can add them to our online list.

Email the Customer Relations team

Bexhill on Sea

Pass it on East Sussex School Uniform offers donated school-uniform items local to Bexhill on Sea.

Join the Facebook group for pick-up locations and opening hours.

Pass it on, East Sussex School Uniform (facebook.com)

Hastings

HARC charity shops

186 Queens Road,
Hastings
TN34 1RG
Telephone: 01424 722 164

Newhaven

The Newhaven Uniform Bank offers uniform for Newhaven primary schools.

Newhaven Uniform Bank

Rye

St Michael's Hospice charity shop in Rye sells pre-loved uniforms: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.

St Michael's Hospice

31 Cinque Ports Street
Rye
TN31 7AD
Telephone: 01797 224 732

What if you don’t get the right uniform?

Like other school rules, the school will need your child to follow the rules about wearing their uniform.

That means the school may use its behaviour policy if your child doesn’t have the right items or if they don’t wear them correctly.

Check the website of your child’s school if you’re not sure what uniform items to buy.

Is your school’s uniform too expensive?

The government says your school should ensure your child’s uniform is affordable. That means using non-branded, lower-cost items where it can, rather than pricier, branded ones. You shouldn’t be forced to buy uniform from only one expensive supplier. 

If you want to check that your child’s school is following government rules about uniform, you can read the statutory guidance.

Statutory guidance - Cost of school uniforms

How to complain about school uniform

As the school’s governing board sets the uniform policy, contacting your child’s school is the quickest way to solve any issues. You can also ask for an explanation of uniform rules.

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