A recent poll has highlighted the growing financial pressures families face to cover essential school-related expenses such as uniforms, transport, and school trips—costs that are increasingly locking some children out of education. Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), a UK charity focused on tackling child poverty, conducted a survey involving over 1,700 secondary schools, revealing concerning trends.
Nearly half (47%) of the schools reported that students have missed school because they lacked the proper uniform or sports kit. Transportation costs also prevented 26% of children from attending, while 27% missed school trips due to insufficient funds. Children eligible for free school meals were more than twice as likely to be excluded over uniform issues, a reflection of the financial strain these families face. Approximately two-thirds of secondary schools in the UK mandate branded clothing as part of their dress codes, further escalating expenses.
Though the English government plans to limit the number of branded uniform items to three, or four including a tie, CPAG insists that stronger measures are necessary to eliminate financial exclusions from education. Kate Anstey, CPAG’s Head of Education, paint a stark reality: “Children living in poverty aren’t fully participating in school life because they can’t afford essentials—from meals and uniforms to transport. This financial hardship results in absenteeism and deprives young people of equal educational opportunities.”
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Anstey calls on the government to strengthen support for struggling families by expanding eligibility for free school meals and scrapping restrictive policies like the two-child limit. In response, a government spokesperson reaffirmed their commitment to reducing child poverty through a multi-faceted approach under the Child Poverty Taskforce. Highlighting efforts such as the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, the spokesperson noted plans to cap branded uniform requirements and expand free breakfast clubs—initiatives aimed at easing financial burdens and safeguarding access to education.
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