Parents warned to check if kids are eligible for up to 200 school uniform support

There are 22 councils in England on top of those in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland that offer parents big sums to pay for the end-of-summer expense. Parents have been urged to check if they are eligible

14:19, 02 Sep 2025

[Parents' top school uniform confessions include creative tricks.]

Parents have to spend a lot on school uniforms(Image: SWNS)

The end of summer always comes with a sigh not just from children made to go back to school, but also from parents who have to open their wallets for the back-to-school season. Backpacks, pens, pencil cases: it all adds up, but among the most expensive equipment is the school uniform, with over half of parents having admitted to spending up to 249 to kit their kids.

But what many dont know is they could be eligible for school uniform grants that aim to ease the annual wallet-ache.

The grants, provided by local councils, differ significantly from region to region regarding precise amounts, application deadlines, and eligibility criteria.

[M&S 2025 School Uniform Shop]

Children are soon preparing to go back to school(Image: M&S)

In England, only 22 councils offer grants. Meanwhile, all authorities in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales run the scheme.

Money-Saving Experts states that parents in Northern Ireland can win up to 93.60 per child through the Education Authority. The deadline was in July, however, late applications can still be accepted.

In Scotland, the exact amount and deadline differs between councils, however there is a minimum of 120 up for grabs. Specific information can be found on the Mygov.scot website.

In Wales, council application forms are open until 31 May, 2026, with up to 200 per tot available.

[Matalan's Back to School Uniform Shop]

School uniform is often a big financial burden for parents(Image: Matalan)

Meanwhile in England, grants vary significantly between councils if they are offered at all. The below list explains which councils have the grant up for grabs and how much parents can receive, as per Money-Saving Expert:

Barnet - 100

Barnsley - 100

Bolton - 30

City of London - 160

Cumberland - 100

East Riding of Yorkshire - 40

Greenwich - 150

Hackney - 100

Hammersmith and Fulham - 79

Haringey - 60

Hounslow - 60

Islington - 150

Hull - 40

North Lincolnshire - 30

Rotherham - 70

Sandwell - 25

Southwark - 45

Tower Hamlets - 150

Wandsworth - 170

Westmorland and Furness - 70

Westminster - 150

York - 100

The deadline for Barnet and Southwark's schemes have already passed. The next deadline will hit Tower Hamlets on 30 September.

For most of these councils, you can apply via the authority's website. However, in Barnsley, East Riding of Yorkshire, Hull, Rotherham, Wandsworth and York, the vouchers are issued automatically.

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