Every year The Brett Foundation helps families in need by providing their children with school uniform. Although I’ve been a trustee for a few years now, this is the first year that I’ve helped with this particular project. 

I can’t really put into words how heartbreaking it was seeing a queue of desperate parents stand outside our centre hoping to get some uniform for their children, or how distressing and soul-destroying it was to watch parents rummage through piles and piles of used school uniform in hopes of finding the right item, in the right size and in good condition.

School uniform is expensive - it’s expensive for those who can afford it - it’s impossible for those who cannot. In my opinion, if something is compulsory, then it should be attainable for everyone. 

More and more schools are making it a requirement to have their logo on almost every item of school wear (jumper, blazer, skirt, PE kit), meaning the cost of uniform has increased hugely. These aren’t items you can find in Asda for half the price, you can only obtain them at a specialist shop or directly from the school. Moreover, with the cost of uniform increasing, parents are more likely to “buy bigger” so their child gets more wear from the item, so any donations we get (albeit gratefully received) are not in the best condition. In a world where image seems to be everything, find me a child that’s going to feel comfortable and confident in a faded and worn jumper. 

I believe that families who receive free school meals should also receive free school uniform. If a family struggles to feed their children, how can you expect them to be able to afford uniform? 

I really hope you agree and that together we can make a difference.