Written question WQ97262

The Welsh Government recognises that school uniform and other items that are required to be purchased in accordance with a school uniform policy can be a financial burden, particularly for low income and large families.

The cost of the school day is a really important issue for many families in Wales. The Welsh Government wants young people to show up at school ready to learn and reach their best outcomes. School uniform should not be a barrier to learning.

The Welsh Government is committed to using every lever it can to help people with the cost-of-living. By encouraging governing bodies to limit the need for logos and branded school uniforms, this will help keep school uniform costs as affordable as possible for families across Wales.

The Welsh Government statutory guidance on school uniform and appearance policy provides useful advice to support schools in reducing costs for families. Our guidance states that branded uniform, including the use of logos should not be a compulsory requirement for pupils, and that all schools should have second hand uniform provisions available for families.

The School Essentials Grant is available to children and young people eligible for free school meals in year groups Reception to Year 11, and Children Looked After (CLA) by a local authority. We also encourage local authorities to use their discretion to provide the grant to children whose parents or carers are not entitled to public funds (NRPF).

The Purpose of the scheme is to provide grant assistance to families on lower incomes for the purchase of:

• School uniform including coats and shoes;

• School sports kit including footwear;

• IT Equipment: laptop and tablets ONLY (School Essentials should only be used in limited situations where a school is unable to loan equipment to the family)

• Uniform for enrichment activities, including but not limited to: scouts; guides; cadets; martial arts; sports; performing arts, or dance;

• Equipment – e.g. school bags and stationery;

• Specialist equipment where new curriculum activities begin such as design and technology;

• Equipment for out-of-school hours’ trips such as outdoor learning – e.g. waterproofs; and,

• Non-uniform essential items such as clothing to support access and involvement in residential outdoor education.

Funding of £125 is available for each eligible learner with the exception of those in Year 7 who will be entitled to £200, to reflect the increased cost of starting secondary school. Parents and carers can claim once per child per school year and apply online via the local authority. The School Essentials Grant opened on 1 July 2025 and will close on 31 May 2026.