Ahead of the beginning of the new school year, families across Salford will be supported with a free school uniform exchange.

Ahead of the new school year, families across Salford will be supported with a free school uniform exchange.

The uniform exchange initiative is being led by Salford City Council and will be supporting residents at local gateways or Swinton Civic Centre.

The community hubs will be used to allow families to find free school items ahead of the upcoming academic year.

In addition to this, Salford residents can also donate their unwanted school uniforms and drop off school items they no longer need for all school across the city.

Majority of the donated items are in second-hand and in good condition and there will also a number of items donated that are brand new.

In April, the Department for Education reported that families “are having to pay £442 on average to kit a child out for secondary school, and £343 for primary school, putting unnecessary financial pressure on families”.

Councillor Jim Cammell, Lead Member for Children’s and Young People’s Services at Salford City Council said: “Every child deserves to go through the school year feeling confident and ready to learn.

“That’s why it’s important that families who are experiencing the financial strain of uniform costs are aware of the options that we provide through invaluable free services such as the school uniform exchange.”

Cllr. Cammell said: “It can be a real challenge to be able to afford a brand-new school uniform as families feel the pressure of rising costs, and we encourage schools to work with families to make uniforms affordable to people who struggle to afford them.

“The team who provide the school uniform exchange service are here to help families across Salford save hundreds of pounds on school essentials, reduce financial stress and ensure their children have quality, comfortable uniforms to wear with pride.”

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill was introduced to parliament on 17 December 2024, with the bill setting limits on the number of branded items state-funded schools may require as part of their uniform.

At primary level no more than three different branded items of uniform for use during a school year, and at secondary level no more than three different branded items of uniform for use during a school year, or four if one of those items is a tie.

People can visit locations across Salford to access the free school uniform exchange for pick-up and drop-off at any Salford Gateway (open Monday to Saturday) and Swinton Civic Centre.

Donations and items available include – shirts, jumpers, trousers, shorts, skirts, dresses, blazers, coats, school bags, pencil cases and school shoes.

More information can be found here. 

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