New uniform voucher scheme to help families with school costs

Families feeling the pressure of back-to-school expenses will receive extra support this year, thanks to a new pilot scheme announced today to help with the cost of school uniforms.

From April 2026, Brent Council will begin issuing automatic vouchers to eligible households whose children are starting Reception or Year 7 that September. The one-off payments – £75 for Reception pupils and £100 for new Year 7 pupils – are designed to ease financial strain during what can be an expensive transition for families.

The scheme is targeted at Brent residents whose children will be attending Brent state schools in September 2026 and who receive, or are eligible for, means-tested Free School Meals, including families on Universal Credit.

Eligible families won’t need to apply. Vouchers will be sent automatically via email or text message, with postal vouchers available for those who cannot access digital versions.

Councillor Gwen Grahl, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education & Employment, said: “Children grow fast and we know that the spectre of buying new school uniforms can cause real anxiety for families on very tight household budgets. This scheme is about getting the right support to the families who need it most, with no complicated forms or barriers. By providing automatic uniform vouchers, we’re helping to ensure every child in Brent can begin school with confidence and the essentials they need.”

Year 7 vouchers will be issued between April and August 2026, followed by Reception vouchers from May to August 2026. Parents and carers do not need to contact the council or their child’s school unless their contact details have changed.