The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill is currently moving through the Commons, with implementation expected from September 2026. One of its key strands relates to school uniform costs, aiming to make uniforms more affordable by capping the number of branded items per child.
This legislation is designed to reduce the financial burden on families, particularly as the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact household budgets. For schools, it provides an important prompt to review uniform policies and – crucially – the supplier partnerships that sit behind them.
Why act now?
While 2026 may seem a long way off, the reality is that uniform suppliers typically start manufacturing in the autumn for the following September intake. That means schools looking to make changes need to be thinking ahead now. A competitive tendering process can help ensure suppliers are delivering the best value for families while maintaining quality, availability and durability.
Reviewing your supplier arrangements also allows schools to:
- Ensure compliance with the upcoming legislation.
- Negotiate fairer pricing for parents and carers.
- Reduce financial barriers that may discourage families from choosing a school.
- Improve service standards, such as stock availability and delivery times.
An opportunity to realign priorities
Uniforms play a key role in creating a sense of belonging and identity, but affordability must be at the heart of decision-making going forward. Schools that take a proactive approach to reviewing supplier contracts will be in a stronger position to meet the requirements of the Bill while showing clear support for families.
Diana Lishman, Senior Consultant at The Litmus Partnership, comments: “This Bill should act as a catalyst for schools to reassess their uniform provision. The procurement process can uncover opportunities for better value, improved quality, and stronger service agreements. By starting early, schools can make considered decisions that support both compliance and the wellbeing of their pupils’ families.”
Here at Litmus, we support schools in reviewing and tendering uniform supplier contracts, ensuring arrangements deliver value for money and reflect the needs of the school community. With the legislative changes on the horizon, now is the ideal time to take stock and begin planning.
Get in touch with us here if you’d like to discuss how we can support you.
The Litmus team