Full participation at school can come with a price tag. For far too many families in Scotland, the money coming in isn’t enough to get by. When costs are soaring and budgets are stretched, making sure children have what they need to take part at school is another worry for families.

At the Cost of the School Day project, children, young people and their families often highlight the cost of things like uniform, resources, trips, clubs, lunch and snacks, fun events and transport. When these costs are unmanageable there is the risk that some children miss out on opportunities and aren’t able to take part and realise their right to education in the same way as everyone else. There’s also the risk that children are left feeling different, ashamed or excluded. 

“There is growing recognition that tackling practical cost barriers at school is essential for children’s learning, participation and wellbeing – and, ultimately, their attainment.”

Tackle Cost Barriers

There is growing recognition that tackling practical cost barriers at school is essential for children’s learning, participation and wellbeing – and, ultimately, their attainment. From affordable uniform policies, breakfasts, free clubs and trip subsidies to resource provision, inclusive fundraising and support with entitlements, poverty aware schools across Scotland can make sure that low incomes don’t stand in children and young people’s way.

And, in difficult economic times like these, looking at what is paid for in school, how costs and money are talked about, and how support is communicated are all great practical ways to support families. Parents and carers say that they really notice when their schools understand the financial challenges they’re facing and do what they can to take some pressure off.

“When we talk to children and parents about costs at school, school uniform is the topic which comes up most frequently.”

School Uniform

When we talk to children and parents about costs at school, school uniform is the topic which comes up most frequently. In Scotland there is a minimum national school clothing grant for 2022-23 set at £120 a year for a primary school pupil and £150 a year for a secondary school pupil. In 2020 The Children’s Society reported that the average uniform cost for a year was £315 for primary school pupils and £337 for secondary school. Local authorities can set a higher rate and for 2022-2023 West Dunbartonshire has increased its grant to £300 for eligible pupils. Schools, that don’t already, could cost their uniform policies to ensure they are set within the limits of the local authority’s clothing grant. More local authorities could make automatic payment when other benefits, such as Housing Benefit, are claimed.

Children’s Rights

Local authorities and schools could set up more ways to donate and share second-hand school clothing, working with school uniform banks and others to reduce the cost of school uniform. Finally, schools could involve children and young people in reviewing and deciding uniform policy. Helping them to realise their rights under Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child which stipulates that children and young people should be consulted on, and be able to influence, decisions that affect them.

“Of course, you’re not going to feel great at school if you are constantly worrying about money and being found out.”(Young person)