Why single supplier school uniform deals push up prices, and how schools can fix it

Summary: Too many UK schools still choose a single supplier for branded uniform. This removes competition, pushes up prices for families, and reduces choice. The law and guidance now expect affordability, transparency, and competitive procurement. At School Wear United, we recommend that schools appoint more than one supplier so parents can shop around on price and quality.

The problem with single supplier arrangements

Parents have told us for years that exclusive arrangements make uniform more expensive than it needs to be. Competition authorities have reported similar findings. Where a school designates one approved retailer, comparable items commonly cost £5 to £10 more per item than in an open market with real choice. That premium adds up fast across blazers, jumpers, PE kit, and seasonal replacements.

Exclusive deals also tend to require multiple branded items that are not widely available elsewhere. If the jumper, polo, or PE top must carry a specific logo or pattern, supermarkets and general retailers are ruled out, and parents are locked into the higher price of the single outlet.

What the data says about costs

Uniform remains a significant annual expense for families. Recent surveys show parents spend around £422 a year for a secondary pupil and about £287 for a primary pupil, before you even add specialist sports kit. When schools require several branded items from a specific outlet, total bills rise further. Many families report cutting back on essentials, delaying replacements, or relying on second hand options to cope.

Schools share responsibility

Suppliers are not the only actors here. Quite often, schools are to blame because they choose to appoint only one retailer, even when there are multiple local or online businesses capable of meeting the same quality standards. That choice removes the price pressure that protects parents.

At School Wear United we advise governing bodies to make affordability a priority. The simplest and most effective change is to appoint more than one approved supplier for any branded item, then publish that choice clearly so families can compare prices and service.

What current UK guidance expects

In England, the Education Act 2021 required statutory guidance on the cost of school uniforms. Schools must keep branded items to a minimum, prioritise affordability, and ensure parents can buy core items widely from supermarkets or high street retailers. If a school uses a contract, it should be competitively tendered, focused on value for money, and retendered on a regular cycle. Schools must also make second hand options available and publicise them on their website.

Wales has statutory guidance that avoids single supplier policies and favours generic, widely available garments. Scotland’s national guidelines advise schools to choose generic colours, reduce compulsory branding, and support reuse through clothing banks and exchanges. Across the UK, the direction of travel is the same, affordability first.

What good practice looks like

• Multiple approved suppliers for branded items. If a badge or logo is required, ensure at least two retailers can supply it so parents can choose on price and convenience.
• Branded to a minimum. Keep compulsory branding to a small number of items. Allow plain supermarket equivalents in the correct colour for everything else.
• Regular, competitive tendering. If a contract is used, run open competitions, set clear affordability criteria, and retender on a sensible timetable.
• Active reuse. Run a second hand rail or exchange, and signpost it clearly on the school website and in start-of-term packs.
• Simple, transparent policy. Publish the full uniform list, supplier details, prices where possible, and any support available for families.

School Wear United’s recommendation

We work with schools across the country and see the difference that choice makes. Our recommendation is straightforward. For any branded garment, appoint more than one supplier, keep the number of compulsory branded items low, and allow generic alternatives wherever possible. You will lower prices, improve service levels, and make life easier for families without losing a smart and consistent look.

Related reading from School Wear United

Continue your research with these useful guides. Replace the links below with your live blog URLs if they differ.

• How to save money on school uniforms without compromising quality
• Why sustainability in schoolwear matters for parents and schools
• Tips for buying affordable school uniforms online in the UK
• The true cost of exclusive school uniform deals

Conclusion

Single supplier policies push up prices and limit choice. The solution is simple and already supported by UK guidance. Reduce compulsory branding, appoint more than one approved supplier, and open up procurement to competition. Parents will see lower bills, schools will keep a smart standard, and pupils will not be held back by the cost of getting dressed for class.

Schools, want help reviewing your policy? Get in touch with the team at School Wear United for a friendly, no-obligation chat about practical changes that lower costs for families while keeping your uniform smart and consistent.