Schools should make sure:
- they limit the number of branded items in the uniform
- second-hand uniforms are available
Information on how to buy second-hand uniforms should be published on the school's website.
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Affordable credit
If you need to borrow to cover school costs, then there are safe and affordable ways to do so.
One option is a community bank. These are not for profit financial organisations who offer affordable loans to those who struggle to access mainstream lending. Loans can be used for help towards the cost of school uniforms and other essential school items.
You can also save alongside paying back your loan, which can help with building up a nest egg for next year. Plus, all savings are fully protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme of up to £85,000.
Some community banks such as Derbyshire Community Bank offer bespoke loan products to cover the cost of school essentials. Alternatively, all community banks offer products called 'Family Loans' which allow residents to borrow against their Child Benefit payments.
Find out more about community banks.
Clothes banks and community hubs
There are many community hubs around Derbyshire offering localised support services such as food provision, benefit advice, and in some cases school uniform support.
Find details on your local Community Hub.
Free or low cost school uniform
This information may change at short notice, so please contact the groups directly to ensure opening hours are correct, and that the offers are still available.
High Peak
- The Hummingbird project provide free primary and secondary school uniform to anyone regardless of postcode or paycheck. This is a year-round support function. To date they have regifted over 70,000 items of new and Preloved uniform and school essentials
They are based in Glossop and support the High Peak and Tameside.
- Little Cherubs Community offers pre-loved uniforms in the Chapel-en-le-Frith area. Open for appointments, Tuesdays and Thursdays plus the first Saturday of the month, 10am to midday. Clothes and shoes up to age 16, baby equipment, toys.
Uniform swap events
Long Eaton and Sawley Foodbank are offering a free uniform bank with no vouchers or referrals required. They are open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am to 2pm at Long Eaton Baptist Church, Station Road.
Facebook uniform groups
Amber Valley:
Chesterfield:
Derbyshire Dales:
High Peak:
Derby, Sheffield, Tameside and other border areas:
Buying and selling online
Some school items are either sold or donated on social media marketplaces such as Facebook, Gumtree and Next Door. Here are some websites where you can buy and sell second hand uniforms:
As with all online transactions, please keep safe by following these tips:
- communicate through marketplace - when communicating with sellers, it's important to do so through the marketplace messaging system, this ensures that your conversation is secure and private
- be respectful and courteous, treat sellers with respect and be courteous when communicating with them
- only buy from sellers within your community - when buying on marketplace, stick to sellers from your local area or within your community
- check item descriptions carefully - make sure to read the description carefully before buying an item to ensure it meets your expectations
- once the transaction is complete, you can leave feedback for the seller to let others know about your experience
Financial assistance for post-16 students
Schools, colleges and training providers now have bursary funds to help students facing financial hardship.
For advice speak to your tutor at school or college.
School uniform sales
Our colleagues at Derbyshire Community Bank have pulled together information about school uniform sales at major supermarkets and retailers.
They are sharing some of the best local and national school uniform sales, along with tips to make your money go further.
Umbrella Derby and Derbyshire
Umbrella Derby and Derbyshire is a charity supporting disabled children and young people and their families across Derby City and Southern Derbyshire.
Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance
Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance operate in Derby’s Market Hall and have a school uniform operation covering not only schools within Derby but other schools within the South Derbyshire area
Support for farmers and those with a farming background
The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) Return to School Grant opens on 15 June 2026. Grants of £200 per school-aged child (aged 4 to 16) are available to help families prepare for the new school year.
There are 4,000 grants available, released in two phases:
- · Phase 1: Opens at midday on Monday 15 June 2026
- · Phase 2: Opens at midday on Monday 29 June 2026