Help with school uniform costs

For children starting new schools in September 2026

Brent Council is introducing a pilot School Uniform Voucher Scheme to give low-income families extra support when their child starts Reception or Year 7 in September 2026.

Many families find the cost of school uniforms difficult, especially when children start or move to a new school. Our new scheme provides families with a one off voucher to help with essential uniform items so children can start school comfortably and confidently.

Who the support is for

Your family will receive a voucher if you:

live in Brent
have a child that is starting Reception or Year 7 at a Brent state school in September 2026

and

receives, or qualifies for, means tested Free School Meals (FSM).

All primary school children in London get free-school meals, but this does not decide if you get a uniform voucher.

If you get benefits it is important that you register for free-school meals once your child gets their reception school place, this will ensure that your school has up to date details for you.

Universal Infant Free School Meals and the Mayor of London’s free school meals are for all children, regardless of income. Because of this, they are not used to decide eligibility for this voucher scheme.

Year six to year seven transition

If your child got benefits-related Free School Meals in Year 6, they will continue to be eligible when they move to their new school in Year 7. If you are unsure, you can find more information on our free school meals page or visit one of our local Brent Hubs or Citizens Advice.

2026 National Offer Day

Secondary Schools National Offer Day: Monday 2 March 2026. (There are two further rounds between March and May 2026)
Primary Schools National Offer Day: Thursday 16 April 2026. (There are two further rounds between May and June 2026)

More about the scheme

What will you receive

The voucher amount depends on the year your child is starting:

£75 for children starting Reception
£100 for children starting Year 7

You can use the voucher to buy school uniform from participating retailers. We will confirm the list of participating retailers when vouchers start being issued.

What happens next

If your child is eligible, you will automatically receive your voucher - you do not need to apply for the School Uniform Voucher, request anything or contact the council.

Vouchers will be issued to you electronically through Evouchers.

You will receive your voucher by email or text message, depending on what contact details your child’s school holds.

If your household cannot access digital messages, a postal voucher will be sent instead.

About Evouchers

Evouchers will issue vouchers directly to parents and carers using the secure Evouchers system. This is a secure voucher system that Brent uses for issuing support payments.

Schools will not be able to confirm FSM eligibility. Schools will only help confirm your contact details. Visit the Evouchers support page for parents.

When to expect your voucher

Vouchers will be sent in the months leading up to the new school year:

Year 7: sent between April and August 2026
Reception: sent between May and August 2026

Evouchers will let schools know shortly before their batch of vouchers are issued. No action will be needed from schools.

If your voucher doesn't arrive

If you believe you should have received a voucher but it hasn’t arrived by early August 2026, contact your child’s school. They can check:

your current contact details
your child’s Free School Meals eligibility.

Please note that schools cannot issue vouchers.

Keeping your details up to date

To make sure your voucher reaches you, please tell your child’s school if you change your email address or mobile number.

Before National Offer Day, it is important to keep your school admission details updated and let your child’s current nursery, early years setting or primary school know.

Where to get support

If you have any questions or concerns about any aspect of this scheme, you can get support in the following ways:

For help using your voucher: visit the Evouchers website
Questions about eligibility: Visit the Brent FSM eligibility webpage or speak to Brent Hubs or Citizens Advice. Schools cannot confirm FSM eligibility
Contact details: Your child’s school can update your contact information if you change your number or email address
Difficulties accessing or using email or text messages: our Brent Hubs advisors can help

Last updated 30/03/26