Support with the costs of school uniforms

It’s August, which means it’s time to launch the Acts 435 School Uniform Appeal 2026.

For many families, the summer holidays are a chance to spend quality time together, make happy memories, or even enjoy a short break. But for others, this year’s seven-week holiday brings added financial pressure, especially for households relying on free school meals or already struggling to make ends meet.

On top of this as the new school year draws closer, one major expense begins to loom, school uniforms.

According to a recent government survey, the average cost of a school uniform and PE kit for children in secondary schools is £442.25 and £343.28 in primary schools.

Every parent wants their child to walk through the school gates feeling confident, comfortable, and ready to learn. But for many families, the cost of a new uniform has become a significant source of stress and anxiety.

That was the reality for *Lisa, a single mum of three who recently received support through Acts 435.

For many years, Lisa has lived with poor mental health, leaving her unable to work. The ongoing strain eventually became too much for her partner, who left the family home. Now raising her three children alone and relying solely on benefits, Lisa found herself with just enough income to cover essential bills and nothing left to buy three sets of school uniforms.

She managed to find a second-hand blazer for her eldest child, but as September approached, she became increasingly overwhelmed, unsure how she would provide everything her other children needed before the start of term.

Thankfully, a local charity became aware of Lisa's situation and submitted a request through the Acts 435 website. Within just a few days, generous donors had raised the funds needed to provide all three children with their school uniforms.

Lisa shared her heartfelt thanks:

"This means more to me than you could ever know. The pressure of having to find the money to buy my children's school uniforms has been lifted, and I feel I can breathe a little because, without your help, I really don't know what I would have done. The children will look very smart going back to school in September. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Support like this is about so much more than buying school uniforms. It's about giving parents peace of mind, easing the weight of financial worry, and helping children start the school year with confidence, dignity, and a sense of belonging.

Thanks to the generosity of Acts 435 donors, Lisa can now enjoy the rest of the summer with her children, knowing they will return to school feeling prepared, confident, and ready to thrive.

You can help another family experience that same relief.

Visit our School Uniform Appeal today and help lift the burden of back-to-school costs for families who need it most:

School Uniform Appeal 2026

support a family with the costs of school equipment and uniforms

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