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.
Affordable credit
If you need to borrow to cover school costs, then there are safe and affordable ways to 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 and Chesterfield Credit Union 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.
Uniform swap events
Freedom Community Project uniform drive - donations needed! The project are collecting good condition school uniform for all ages and from all schools across the district ready for their uniform drive at the end of July. Drop off donations at St Bernadette's Centre, 59 High Street, Bolsover, S44 6HF on Mondays from 9am to 3pm and Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
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.