Getting ready for the new school year

19 July 2026

Getting ready for the new school year

A new school year can cost a lot. You may need to buy uniform, shoes, PE kit, pens, bags and bus tickets. If you are worried about the cost, there may be help you can get.

Check if your child can get free school meals

Your child may be able to get a free lunch at school. This can also help the school get extra money to support your child.

You can apply online using the free school meals form. You can also ask your child’s school to help you apply.

If your child gets free school meals, they may also be able to join free holiday activities. Visit Warwickshire HAF to find out more.

Ask your school for help with costs

Warwickshire County Council does not give a general school uniform grant. But your child’s school may still be able to help.

Uniform
PE kit
School trips
Pens, pencils and books
Other things your child needs for school

Speak to the school as soon as you can. They may have a hardship fund. They may also offer payment plans or donated items.

Buy second-hand school uniform

Many schools sell second-hand uniform. Some schools also run uniform swap days.

You can also look for second-hand uniform from:

your school’s PTA or friends group
local Facebook groups
charity shops
Vinted
eBay
local uniform swap events

Second-hand uniform can cost much less than new uniform. It can also help reduce waste.

Check if you can get a grant

You may be able to get help from a charity or grant fund. A grant is money you do not usually have to pay back.

You can check:

Turn2us Grants Search grants search
Warwickshire Family Information Service family information service
charities linked to your job or a past job
charities that help parents, carers or families with low income

Call our Adviceline on 0808 250 5715 or visit one of our local advice sessions. An adviser can help you check what support you may be able to get.

Ask about cheaper uniform options

Schools in England should try to keep uniform costs low. They should not ask for lots of expensive branded items.

If uniform is too expensive, you can:

speak to the headteacher
ask if cheaper items are allowed
ask if the school has second-hand uniform
ask if the school has a hardship fund

Save money on school items

Here are some simple ways to spend less:

reuse bags and lunch boxes if you can
buy supermarket own-brand pens and pencils
put your child’s name on clothes and bags
look out for supermarket uniform offers
swap uniform with friends or family

Need advice?

If school costs are hard to pay, you do not have to deal with it alone.

Getting advice early can help you find out what support you can get before school starts.

Brancab gives free, confidential and independent advice. We can help with benefits, debt, budgeting and other money worries.

FREEPHONE ADVICELINE
MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9.00am to 3.30pm
0808 250 5715

Bedworth Drop-in times:

Monday and Friday 10.00am to 2.00pm

25 Congreve Walk, Bedworth, CV12 8LX. (close to Bedworth indoor market)

Rugby Drop-in times:

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 10.00am to 2.00pm

1st floor, Chestnut House, 32 North Street, Rugby, CV21 2AG. (Entrance via North St Car Park)

Nuneaton Drop-in times:

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10.00am to 2.00pm

Town Hall, Coton Road, Nuneaton, CV11 5AA.

Back to News