School uniforms
Where to get help buying a school uniform
Firstly, talk 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 have uniform swaps or offer cheaper items.
Your school should know how to find local uniform banks, community groups, or charities that can help you find good-quality uniforms.
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 advise on the cost of living. Visit Cost of living support for more information.
Or if you’re working with an Early Help Keyworker or Social Worker, check with them. They will be able to tell you about any support you can get.
Find cheaper uniform items from a uniform bank
We keep our list of uniform projects up to date so you can find good-quality uniform at a lower cost.
If you know of any other uniform banks or similar, please let us know by emailing the Customer Relations team. We can add them to our list online.
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 updates.
Pass it on, East Sussex School Uniform (facebook.com)
Eastbourne
'Eastbourne school uniform buy/sell/swap' offers new or second-hand school uniform items local to Eastbourne.
Join the Facebook group for updates.
Eastbourne school uniform buy/sell/swap (facebook.com)
Hailsham
Hailsham Family Hub has second-hand school uniform available: Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Hailsham Family Hub
Vega Close
Hailsham
BN27 2JZ
Telephone: 01323 463 244
Hastings
186 Queens Road,
Hastings
TN34 1RG
Telephone: 01424 722 164
St Andrews Square
Hastings
TN34 1SP
Telephone: 01424 426894
'Hastings Free Uniform' offers new or second-hand school uniform items local to Hastings.
Join the Facebook group for updates.
Hastings Free Uniform (facebook.com)
Newhaven
The Newhaven Uniform Bank offers uniform for Newhaven primary schools.
Seaford
Visit Pre-Loved Seaford School Uniform to buy or trade in second-hand uniform for:
- Annecy Catholic Primary School
- Chyngton Primary School
- Cradle Hill Primary School
- Seaford Primary School
- Seaford Head School.
Uckfield
Uckfield Family Hub has second-hand school uniform available: Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Uckfield Family Hub
1 Manor Close
Uckfield
TN22 1DL
Telephone: 01273 336 930
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 make sure your child’s uniform is affordable. That means using non-branded, cheaper items where it can, rather than pricier, branded ones. You shouldn’t have 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.
