The cost of new school uniforms is a big expense for many families, and I’m aware that some have struggled to meet this cost.

A new survey by the footwear retailer Wynsors suggests that nearly 2 in 3 Edinburgh parents say that the cost of school uniforms and supplies puts a strain on their household budget.

A school uniform in good condition is critical for a child’s self-esteem. And at most schools, having the correct uniform is part of the rules, so not having the right items can lead to attendance issues.

With most Edinburgh schools starting the new year next week, I have put together a list of what support is available to those struggling to access uniform items.

I would definitely encourage people in the first instance to contact their schools directly to see what support they might be able to offer and what options are available.

Finally, I have included ways in which you can donate or help if you are in a position to do so.

City of Edinburgh Council

The Council can help parents who are struggling with the cost of school uniforms with school grants. To be eligible, you must have a child attending a school managed by the City of Edinburgh Council.

Families on housing benefit or Council Tax Reduction, and who are eligible, receive school grants automatically and should have done so for the coming year already. If you think you should have received it but have not, please contact the Council directly.

You can apply for a school grant here.

If you submitted an application before 1 August 2024 and you have provided all information required, you will receive your award before term begins on 14 August 2024.

Applications received before 1 September 2024 will be backdated to the start of term.

Edinburgh Police Fund for Children

The Edinburgh Police Fund for Children was set up in 1892 and can help with the provision of school shoes and unbranded school jackets. They provide up to £50 per child.

To be eligible, families must have school age children, be resident in Edinburgh and meet the application criteria.

Applications should be made by a third party including a social worker, housing officer, head teacher, family support worker or employment adviser.

Apply here.

Edinburgh School Uniform Bank

The Edinburgh School Uniform Bank aims to provide children with decent, good-quality school uniforms, relying on donations and the work of volunteers.

They provide clothing packs to children who:

• Attend an Edinburgh school
• Require school uniform to avoid issues with attendance, inclusion or wellbeing
• Cannot obtain appropriate clothing locally
• Cannot obtain financial help to assist with uniform costs

Clothing packs are allocated on a referral-only basis. Referrals must be made by a professional who knows the family.

Please find more information here.

How You Can Help

This summer, the Edinburgh School Uniform Bank is focusing in particular on children who are starting P1 or moving from primary to secondary school.

On their website, you can purchase a clothing bundle which will be sent directly to them.

Alternatively, you can donate funds directly.

There is also the option of donating ‘pre-loved’ clothes that are as good as new. There are criteria for what items they accept here. They have a drop-off point in the Cameron Toll Sainsbury’s (6 Lady Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5PB). Please ask at the Customer Service desk if you can’t find it.