Bridget Phillipson forced to apologise
More Videos
02:23
Keir Starmer quizzed on immigration policy by Peston
Robert Peston quizzes Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on his latest immigration policy announcements.
02:22
Speaker slams government for announcement made outside parliament
0 of 54 seconds Volume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts Keyboard Shortcuts EnabledDisabled
Shortcuts Open/Close / or ?
Play/Pause SPACE
Increase Volume ↑
Decrease Volume ↓
Seek Forward →
Seek Backward ←
Captions On/Off c
Fullscreen/Exit Fullscreen f
Mute/Unmute m
Decrease Caption Size -
Increase Caption Size + or =
Seek % 0-9
Next Up
Keir Starmer quizzed on immigration policy by Peston
02:23
x facebook Email Link https://cdn.jwplayer.com/previews/uCpr2iWx Copied
Auto270p 1080p 720p 540p 360p 270p 180p
Live
00:54
00:00
00:54
More Videos
Close
Bridget Phillipson’s flagship plan to limit the number of school uniform items a school can prescribe for pupils took a major hit today after it emerged the cost of items has fallen for a third year in a row. The Education Secretary is introducing a new law that she claims will help parents with the cost of school uniforms.
However it’s already been warned that the law could inadvertently end up increasing costs for parents. Now it’s emerged that the cost of school uniforms is falling in real terms anyway, further undermining the need for Ms Phillipson’s law. Data collected from 548 schools, representing approximately 15% of England’s secondary school population, reveals that prices rose by 34% less than the rate of inflation.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
What Urologists Really Do — When They Struggle With ED!Gentleman’s Code | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
DON'T MISS
Powered by
DWP update on PIP cash boost after spending review - Brits could be owed more money
Comments
Pensioners could boost benefit payments by ￡146 a month
Comments
Six in 100 state pensioners underpaid last year as urgent warning issued
7 Comments
Crisis in UK town that's Britain's 'most gentrified' as house prices nearly triple
4 Comments
Rachel Reeves sent nightmare warning of 'grim' future despite GDP boost
49 Comments
UK GDP grows 0.7% in unexpected piece of good news for embattled Rachel Reeves
218 Comments
Worrying new figures show how many UK pensioners 'don't have the money to last retirement'
4 Comments
Labour to hand NHS bosses ￡30k bonuses in scheme that could cost millions
18 Comments
The two abandoned UK train stations locals are fighting to reopen after 70 years
2 Comments
Savers have just two days to open savings account paying 5.37% - but there's a catch
5 Comments
NatWest blow for customers as it announces major change to accounts 'within weeks'
12 Comments
407,000 PIP claimants could be owed more money after review
Comments
School bans hit record high
11 Comments
Despair in Spain as empty restaurants beg for tourists with sales 50% down
31 Comments
Sarah Palin, 61,Shows Her Huge Size In New PhotosUS Food Search | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
'Trade union' primary school teacher sacked by head 'intent on revenge' awarded ￡370K
9 Comments
Fury as schools fail to teach kids about Agincourt, Trafalgar and Waterloo
34 Comments
Donatella Takes Off Makeup Leave Us With No WordsRefinance Gold | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Calls to 'remedy ' Winter Fuel Payment changes for millions
2 Comments
There's someone more hopeless than Rachel Reeves - and Starmer might be about to sack her
406 Comments
Has Ford Raised the Bar Again? The New Mustang Has ArrivedTheFactualist | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
DWP says many pensioners could be missing out on ￡700 a year
3 Comments
Sir Keir Starmer unveils new immigration crackdown with tax on foreign students
23 Comments
MD: Building Muscle After 60 Comes Down To This 1 ThingApex Labs | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
DWP update on PIP cash boost after spending review - Brits could be owed more money
Comments
Pensioners could boost benefit payments by ￡146 a month
Comments
Chelsea Clinton, 44, Drives Probably the Most Expensive Car in the WorldThe Latest Article | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Six in 100 state pensioners underpaid last year as urgent warning issued
7 Comments
Crisis in UK town that's Britain's 'most gentrified' as house prices nearly triple
4 Comments
Walmart Cameras Captured These Hilarious 20 PhotosDoctor Report | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Rachel Reeves sent nightmare warning of 'grim' future despite GDP boost
49 Comments
UK GDP grows 0.7% in unexpected piece of good news for embattled Rachel Reeves
218 Comments
61 Genius Inventions That Are UnbelievableUnforgettable Gadgets | Sponsored Sponsored
Shop Now
Undo
Worrying new figures show how many UK pensioners 'don't have the money to last retirement'
4 Comments
Labour to hand NHS bosses ￡30k bonuses in scheme that could cost millions
18 Comments
61 Genius Inventions That Are Shockingly UnbelievableUnforgettable Gadgets | Sponsored Sponsored
Shop Now
Undo
The two abandoned UK train stations locals are fighting to reopen after 70 years
2 Comments
Savers have just two days to open savings account paying 5.37% - but there's a catch
5 Comments
Mature Dating Starts TodaySecretmeet | Sponsored Sponsored
Read More
Undo
NatWest blow for customers as it announces major change to accounts 'within weeks'
12 Comments
407,000 PIP claimants could be owed more money after review
Comments
Dental Implants for Seniors – Costs & OptionsDental Implants | Search Ads | Sponsored Sponsored
Click Here
Undo
School bans hit record high
11 Comments
Despair in Spain as empty restaurants beg for tourists with sales 50% down
31 Comments
'Trade union' primary school teacher sacked by head 'intent on revenge' awarded ￡370K
9 Comments
Fury as schools fail to teach kids about Agincourt, Trafalgar and Waterloo
34 Comments
Calls to 'remedy ' Winter Fuel Payment changes for millions
2 Comments
There's someone more hopeless than Rachel Reeves - and Starmer might be about to sack her
406 Comments
DWP says many pensioners could be missing out on ￡700 a year
3 Comments
Sir Keir Starmer unveils new immigration crackdown with tax on foreign students
23 Comments
DWP update on PIP cash boost after spending review - Brits could be owed more money
Comments
Pensioners could boost benefit payments by ￡146 a month
Comments
Six in 100 state pensioners underpaid last year as urgent warning issued
7 Comments
Crisis in UK town that's Britain's 'most gentrified' as house prices nearly triple
4 Comments
Rachel Reeves sent nightmare warning of 'grim' future despite GDP boost
49 Comments
UK GDP grows 0.7% in unexpected piece of good news for embattled Rachel Reeves
218 Comments
Worrying new figures show how many UK pensioners 'don't have the money to last retirement'
4 Comments
READ MORE: Rachel Reeves accidentally admitted big problem with key Labour policy
Bridget Phillipson's bill is facing criticism (Image: Getty)
The average cost of school uniforms, including daywear and sportswear, is now ￡92.45. However, had prices tracked inflation, this figure would have risen to around ￡130 instead.
This is the third year in a row where uniforms have become more affordable, and suggests that Labour’s interfering law could be moot. While schools are currently able to demand pupils have as many branded items as they like, the average number of pieces is 5.2 items.
Experts have warned that if limited to just three items, as Ms Phillipson aims to do, the cost to parents could counterintuitively increase.
Sponsored
La Compagnie | Sponsored Sponsored
Book Now
Fly New York to Paris in Luxury with La Compagnie
Undo
School leaders say the first items to be dropped will be PE kits and school bags. Parents will then have to source their own equipment, however will be pressured by their children to get more expensive, luxury items to avoid bullying.
Don't miss...
School uniform rules to change for 4m pupils in England as cost hits ￡442
Labour dealt stark warning over school uniform plans as new evidence emerges
Simple washing machine tip will keep your child's school uniform like new
Schools will be limited for how many pieces of uniforms a child must have (Image: Getty)
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Matthew Easter, Chair of the Schoolwear Association, said: “The government has repeatedly stated that the school uniform cap will save parents money.
“But the existing schools’ guidance and the work of specialist retailers have ensured that uniforms have been consistently getting cheaper in real terms for several years.
close dialog
" data-bx-frame-watcher-id="1">
Advertisement
close dialog
“While we support the principle of making sure uniforms are affordable for families across the country, this blunt, bureaucratic cap is likely to cause parents to end up spending more in the long-term and undermine the progress made under the 2022 guidance.
"We urge the government to recognise the schoolwear sector’s progress in reducing costs, and work with the industry to find a better solution to an arbitrary cap which will do more harm than good for families’ pockets.”
Trending
Ms Phillipson has also been warned that the cap could result in fewer school uniform items being donated to struggling families.
Kate France, who runs a so-called ‘uniform bank’ for families in need, said today’s figures on the cost of kit “highlight the importance of durable, high-quality uniforms".
She added: "At Uniform Exchange, we see every day how well-crafted uniforms from specialist shops can save families money and cut down on waste because they last through several kids."
"The proposed limit on school-specific items might push families to buy cheaper, less durable uniforms, which could end up costing more and creating more waste. It could mean fewer uniform items donated and available to charity’s and projects like ours."
DON'T MISS
Powered by
DWP update on PIP cash boost after spending review - Brits could be owed more money
Comments
Pensioners could boost benefit payments by ￡146 a month
Comments
Six in 100 state pensioners underpaid last year as urgent warning issued
7 Comments
Crisis in UK town that's Britain's 'most gentrified' as house prices nearly triple
4 Comments
Rachel Reeves sent nightmare warning of 'grim' future despite GDP boost
49 Comments
UK GDP grows 0.7% in unexpected piece of good news for embattled Rachel Reeves
218 Comments
Worrying new figures show how many UK pensioners 'don't have the money to last retirement'
4 Comments
Labour to hand NHS bosses ￡30k bonuses in scheme that could cost millions
18 Comments
The two abandoned UK train stations locals are fighting to reopen after 70 years
2 Comments
Savers have just two days to open savings account paying 5.37% - but there's a catch
5 Comments
NatWest blow for customers as it announces major change to accounts 'within weeks'
12 Comments
407,000 PIP claimants could be owed more money after review
Comments
School bans hit record high
11 Comments
Despair in Spain as empty restaurants beg for tourists with sales 50% down
31 Comments
Britney Spears, 43, Shows Off Her Real Size In A New Vacation Photos33 Bridges | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
'Trade union' primary school teacher sacked by head 'intent on revenge' awarded ￡370K
9 Comments
Fury as schools fail to teach kids about Agincourt, Trafalgar and Waterloo
34 Comments
Chelsea Clinton, 44, Drives Probably the Most Expensive Car in the World.Boite A Scoop | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Calls to 'remedy ' Winter Fuel Payment changes for millions
2 Comments
There's someone more hopeless than Rachel Reeves - and Starmer might be about to sack her
406 Comments
The Most Iconic Woodstock Photos Ever TakenWeight Loss Groove | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
DWP says many pensioners could be missing out on ￡700 a year
3 Comments
Sir Keir Starmer unveils new immigration crackdown with tax on foreign students
23 Comments
Scarlett Johansson, 40, Shows Off Her Real Size In A New Vacation Photos33 Bridges | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
DWP update on PIP cash boost after spending review - Brits could be owed more money
Comments
Pensioners could boost benefit payments by ￡146 a month
Comments
At 48, Tiger Woods Shows the Inside of His House, Take A LookLittle Fries | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Six in 100 state pensioners underpaid last year as urgent warning issued
7 Comments
Crisis in UK town that's Britain's 'most gentrified' as house prices nearly triple
4 Comments
Monica Lewinsky's House Makes Alcatraz Looks Like A ParadiseFoodie Friend | Sponsored Sponsored
Read More
Undo
Rachel Reeves sent nightmare warning of 'grim' future despite GDP boost
49 Comments
UK GDP grows 0.7% in unexpected piece of good news for embattled Rachel Reeves
218 Comments
Rules You Didn't Know 'Survivor' Contestants Have to FollowCosmopolitan | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Worrying new figures show how many UK pensioners 'don't have the money to last retirement'
4 Comments
Labour to hand NHS bosses ￡30k bonuses in scheme that could cost millions
18 Comments
Groundbreaking 2025 Solution for Your Dog Car Safety & ComfortPelsbarn | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
The two abandoned UK train stations locals are fighting to reopen after 70 years
2 Comments
Savers have just two days to open savings account paying 5.37% - but there's a catch
5 Comments
A Better Way to Manage Your SchoolDreamClass LLC | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
NatWest blow for customers as it announces major change to accounts 'within weeks'
12 Comments
407,000 PIP claimants could be owed more money after review
Comments
Empty Mississippi River Cruises Cost Basically NothingQuestionHero | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
School bans hit record high
11 Comments
Despair in Spain as empty restaurants beg for tourists with sales 50% down
31 Comments
'Trade union' primary school teacher sacked by head 'intent on revenge' awarded ￡370K
9 Comments
Fury as schools fail to teach kids about Agincourt, Trafalgar and Waterloo
34 Comments
Calls to 'remedy ' Winter Fuel Payment changes for millions
2 Comments
There's someone more hopeless than Rachel Reeves - and Starmer might be about to sack her
406 Comments
DWP says many pensioners could be missing out on ￡700 a year
3 Comments
Sir Keir Starmer unveils new immigration crackdown with tax on foreign students
23 Comments
DWP update on PIP cash boost after spending review - Brits could be owed more money
Comments
Pensioners could boost benefit payments by ￡146 a month
Comments
Six in 100 state pensioners underpaid last year as urgent warning issued
7 Comments
Crisis in UK town that's Britain's 'most gentrified' as house prices nearly triple
4 Comments
Rachel Reeves sent nightmare warning of 'grim' future despite GDP boost
49 Comments
UK GDP grows 0.7% in unexpected piece of good news for embattled Rachel Reeves
218 Comments
Worrying new figures show how many UK pensioners 'don't have the money to last retirement'
4 Comments
20 Forgotten Discounts Most Retirees With Property Will Never ClaimSenior Savers
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
The new summer trend that every lady can't missSoolinen
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
New Ooni Koda 2 is a must have for pizza loversOoni Pizza Ovens
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Here's How Much Invisible Aligners Might Cost in Las Vegas (Check Prices)Invisible Teeth Aligners | Search Ads
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
A DfE spokesperson said: “For cash strapped families to be worrying about sky high school uniform costs is simply wrong and nearly a third of parents are still telling us this is an issue."
“This is exactly why we are changing the law to limit the number of branded items schools can insist on, so instead of parents having to buy a skirt or dress from a specific shop, they can buy from the shop that suits them best, saving some families over ￡50 on the back-to-school shop.
“Our Plan for Change is removing barriers to opportunity, with limits on branded items of school uniform just one of the steps we’re taking to put money back into parents’ pockets and break the link between background and success.”