The Greater Manchester schools giving pupils a free uniform to start Year 7
Families will have the branded items supplied ahead of the new school year
School uniform can be a costly affair and parents with children starting high school in September will already be wondering how much it's all going to cost.
But one trust which runs six secondaries across Greater Manchester, has decided to give pupils a free branded uniform this year.
From September 2026, every student starting Year 7 at Co-op Academies Trust, will receive any branded items free of charge.
This includes Co-op Academy Walkden, Co-op Academy Swinton, Co-op Academy North Manchester, Co-op Academy Manchester, Co-op Academy Failsworth and Co-op Academy Belle Vue.
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The Trust says the move 'represents a major step' in its 'mission to remove barriers to education and ensure that every child can succeed and belong, regardless of financial circumstances'.
According to the National Schoolwear Association, the average cost of a school uniform is £92.35 so this will make a considerable difference to parents, says the Trust, easing the pressure of back-to-school costs at a time when many families are facing rising living expenses.
In line with the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, the Trust has capped branded items in its secondary academies at no more than three per school, plus a tie, and has gone further in primary schools, limiting this to just two items.
Its free uniform offer covers all branded items and ties, with individual high schools able to pick up to three items to have branded out of blazers, V-neck jumpers, PE T-shirts and a PE multi-top. Some have limited it to two.
The Trust says that by guaranteeing free uniforms for every Year 7 student, it's 'sending a clear message that no child should start secondary school at a disadvantage because of cost'.
Dr Chris Tomlinson, CEO of Co-op Academies Trust, said: "This initiative reflects the Co-op difference - cooperation, community, and a deep commitment to social justice.
"No child should start secondary school feeling different or disadvantaged because of cost. Providing every Year 7 student with a free uniform is a simple but powerful way to help them feel equal, included, and ready to succeed.”
Under the new uniform commitment, which also applies to Co-op secondary academies in West Yorkshire, Stafford and Merseyside:
- All secondary academies will fully subsidise the first set of branded uniform items for Year 7 and in-year joiners.
- Uniform policies are aligned across the Trust to eliminate unnecessary branded or expensive items.
- Unbranded items like polo shirts, trousers etc have been selected based on items sold at high street and supermarket retailers to support family budgets.
- Uniform swap shops and pre-loved uniform schemes are available in every academy to support the Trust’s green initiatives.
Last week we reported how the Trust is moving to a trousers only policy for all pupils from September.
In a letter to parents, the Trust said the decision 'has been informed by research showing that traditional uniform options, particularly skirts and dresses, can limit pupils’ comfort, confidence, and participation in school life'.
While some have welcomed the move, others say it's unfair and taking away the rights of their daughters.
Has your child received their high school place this week? How much branded uniform will you need to buy? Let us know in the comments here.
