School uniform exchange reports increased demand

A mother who set up a school uniform exchange programme said she has seen a marked increase in families using the service.

Tracy Morgan, who runs Normanton School Uniform Exchange, set up the project four years ago to reduce waste.

In her first year she helped 78 families with about 350 items of clothing, but this year she has seen more than 1,500 families through the door and swapped about 6,000 items.

She said she began the project with environmental concerns in mind, but as the cost-of-living crisis hit it became more about saving families money.

“I think families are quite happy to take second-hand uniform now," she said.

"The quality of it is really good. There’s still plenty of wear left in it. So why buy new when you can reuse?

“It’s all free. I don’t do any referrals. Anyone can come in no matter their circumstances and just take what they need.”

Parents are encouraged to donate outgrown school clothing and swap for nearly new items – including clothing with school logos.

In 2023, parents spent an average of £422 on secondary school uniforms and £287 on primary school uniforms, according to the Children’s Society.

Parent Emma Todd said there was “no way” she would be able to afford new uniforms for her son every year.

“Why does it need to be that expensive? He’s had to have hand-me-downs,” she said.

Ms Todd said the Normanton project was “fantastic”.

“As soon as he grows out of something we can just drop it off and size up,” she said.

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