Why are you doing the scheme?

We recognise that school uniforms can be costly, and we aim to support families with this universal offer as part of our every child in school everyday action plan through our Great Childhoods Ambition.

We'll be helping with the cost of school uniform through a one-off voucher (redeemable for cash) to all families living in the borough with primary and secondary aged school children. This supports our 'belong' Great Childhoods Ambition priority.

How have you funded this scheme?

This investment has been made possible by additional one-off funds from an improved local government financial settlement for 2025/26. This enables us to invest in initiatives that support our council plan priorities, such as financial support for businesses and free bus travel for under 18s, announced earlier this year.

How will you evaluate the impact of this scheme?

We'll work with schools to assess the impact on attendance and compliance with uniform policies.  We'll also gather feedback through various other channels.

Who is eligible for the scheme?

All families with statutory school aged children (who are enrolled in school) living in the Barnsley local authority area (one voucher per child).

I live in Barnsley but my child attends a school outside of the borough. Am I still eligible?

Yes, this scheme is open to all Barnsley residents. Request your voucher for a child that attends school outside of the borough.

I live outside the borough but my child attends school in Barnsley, am I eligible?

No, only Barnsley residents are eligible for this scheme.

My child is statutory school aged (Reception to Year 11) but not currently registered in a school, can I still claim?

Only those Barnsley families who have children registered with a school are eligible, as the purpose of the voucher is to provide financial support for school uniform. If your child returns to school later in the academic year, we'll support you in accessing the scheme.

Can I claim for my child who is in nursery?

No, this scheme is only open for statutory school aged children (Reception to Year 11).

Does this scheme apply to Year 12 and 13?

No, this scheme is only open for statutory school aged children (Reception to Year 11).

Why is this only available to people living in Barnsley?

This is a scheme being funded by Barnsley Council, which is why it's only available for Barnsley residents.

How will I receive my voucher?

If your child attends a Barnsley school, we aim to automatically issue vouchers to as many registered parents and carers as possible using school census (May 2025) and admissions data.

You'll receive a voucher for each child, redeemable at any Post Office counter for cash. You’ll need to present a valid form of identification containing your name and address, such as a utility bill or driving license.

If you've not received your voucher by the end of July, you can complete an online form to request it. Request your voucher if you've not received it by 1 August.

Where can I buy the uniform?

You can purchase items from any authorised retailer for branded uniform and retailer for unbranded items, so long as it's in line with your child’s school uniform policy.

I've already bought school uniform, what do I do?

This is a reimbursement against previously purchased uniform or you can use it towards additional relevant school uniform items.

When will the scheme close?

This is a one-off scheme for the 2025/26 academic year. We aim to issue all vouchers prior to the start of the academic year. However, if you haven’t received your voucher and believe you are eligible then you have until 31 October 2025 to submit your claim. Request your voucher if you've not received it by 1 August.

Why are you giving more to secondary school children?

The difference in contribution reflects the higher cost of a uniform for older children and the number of school specific items required.

What school uniform items are covered by the scheme?

The uniform must be in line with your child’s school unform policy and includes items required by your child’s school.

If I’m on a low income, will this affect the amount of Universal Credit I receive?

No - occasional financial or other assistance provided by local authorities for welfare purposes are disregarded from both income and capital assessments.

What if I have more than one child?

The scheme is per school aged child so you'll receive a voucher per child.