School Uniform Support scheme benefits over 30,000 children and young people across Barnsley

We are delighted to share the phenomenal success of our School Uniform Support scheme, part of our Great Childhoods Ambition, which was launched earlier this year to provide financial support to families across the borough towards the cost of buying school uniform for the new school year.  

The scheme formed part of a £2.8 million investment by the council to help families across the borough financially and to ensure every child is ready to learn for the 2025-26 school year.  

Every family in the borough received a voucher to contribute towards the cost of buying new school uniform - £50 per primary school aged child and £100 per secondary school aged child. Families living in Barnsley with children attending schools outside the borough also received a voucher.  

To date, 33,634 vouchers have been issued through the scheme, and we’re delighted to share that 94% of these have been cashed and used to purchase new uniform. 

The initiative provided financial support to families by easing the financial pressures of purchasing new uniform, with schools reporting a 38% improvement in school uniform standards this term.  

Vouchers are redeemable for up to three months from the date stated on the voucher. If the voucher has expired or has been lost, a new voucher can be requested on our online form. 

Councillor Ashely Peace, Cabinet Spokesperson for Children’s Services, said: “The School Uniform Support scheme has been an incredible success, and I am delighted to see that over 33,000 young people and their families have benefited. 

“The scheme is central to our Every Child in School Everyday commitment to ensure no child is left behind by helping to remove barriers to school attendance and providing the opportunity to thrive. Through the scheme, every child and young person started the new school year feeling smart, equal and part of the school community. 

“We also know that the new school year can be a very expensive time, particularly following the summer holidays and for families with several children to provide uniform for. The scheme has really made a difference to families at a time when financial pressures are ever growing, so I’d urge anyone who has not redeemed their voucher to do so as soon as possible.” 

In Barnsley we want all children, young people and families to benefit from the opportunities that a great childhood brings.  

Alongside other initiatives earlier this year, we brought back the Barnsley MiCard, offering free bus travel for children and young people aged 5 to 18. Learn more about our Great Childhoods Ambition programme and what support is available for children and young people  on our website.