Overview
- The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act requires schools to limit compulsory branded uniform items to a maximum of three from the start of the September term to reduce costs for families.
- A separate rule that took legal effect on June 29 bars pupils from accessing mobile phones and similar smart devices during the entire school day and must already be enforced by schools.
- The Department for Education says the package includes wider cost-of-living help, with more than 2,000 free breakfast clubs expected to open and free school meal eligibility expanding to about 500,000 more children by September.
- Some media reports differ on detail for secondary pupils and ties, with most outlets saying ties are exempt but one report saying secondary schools may require a fourth branded item if it is a tie, so schools will need clear guidance when updating policies.
- Ministers and campaign groups say the measures aim to ease household budgets and remove barriers to school choice, with supporters estimating sizable family savings and the DfE offering Attendance and Behaviour Hubs to help schools implement the changes.