Uniform

School Uniform Costs and Second Hand Uniform

At Longbenton High School, we want our uniform to be smart, practical and affordable. We believe uniform helps pupils feel part of the school community, supports positive behaviour and helps reduce pressure on pupils to wear expensive or fashionable clothing.

We also know that uniform costs matter to families. That is why we keep branded items to a minimum and make sure that most items can be bought from a range of high street or online retailers.

Our approach follows the Department for Education statutory guidance on the cost of school uniforms, which is issued under the Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Act 2021. We also take account of our duties under the Equality Act 2010 when setting and applying our uniform policy.

From September 2026, national rules will limit the number of compulsory branded uniform and PE kit items that schools can require. For secondary schools, the limit is three branded items, or four where one of the items is a tie. Longbenton High School currently requires four branded school uniform items, the blazer and tie, PE shirt and PE shorts.

How Longbenton Keeps Uniform Costs Down

Area	Longbenton High School approach
Branded uniform	We keep compulsory branded uniform items to a minimum. The only required branded school uniform items are the school blazer and school tie.
Generic uniform	Most uniform items can be bought from any suitable high street or online retailer, provided they meet the school uniform requirements. This helps families compare prices and choose affordable options.
Second hand uniform	Good quality second hand uniform is available from school reception. This helps families reduce costs and supports the reuse of uniform that is still in good condition.
Uniform swap events	We hold uniform swap events each term. These give families another way to access pre owned uniform and support other families in the school community.
Support for families	Families who are worried about uniform costs can contact the school office. We will deal with requests sensitively and look at what support may be available.

Branded and Generic Uniform Items

A branded item is an item that has the school badge, logo, name or a special design that means it needs to be bought from a school supplier.

At Longbenton High School, only the school blazer and school tie are required branded school uniform items.

Uniform item	Type of item	Where families can buy it
School blazer	Required branded item	School supplier, Emblematic
School tie	Required branded item	School supplier, Emblematic
Shirts, trousers, skirts and other standard uniform items	Generic items	Any suitable high street or online retailer, provided the items meet the school uniform requirements
Second hand uniform	May include branded or generic items, depending on availability	School reception and termly uniform swap events

Second Hand Uniform

We support the use of second hand uniform because it helps reduce costs for families and makes sure good quality uniform items are reused.

Parents and carers can ask about available second hand uniform at school reception. Availability will depend on the items and sizes that have been donated.

We also hold uniform swap events each term. Details of these events will be shared with families by the school.

Families are welcome to donate clean, gently worn uniform items that are no longer needed. Donations can be handed in at the main office.

What parents and carers need	Where to go
To ask about available second hand uniform	School reception
To attend a uniform swap event	Events are held each term. Details will be shared by the school.
To donate clean, gently worn uniform	Main office
To ask for support with uniform costs	School office

Support With Uniform Costs

We understand that some families may find uniform costs difficult. If you need support, please contact the school office. We will always try to help in a practical and sensitive way.

Email: lhs@longbenton.org.uk
Telephone: 0191 218 9500

Legal Background

Legislation or guidance	How this links to Longbenton High School
Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Act 2021	This is the law behind the national guidance on keeping school uniform costs reasonable. Longbenton High School has taken this into account by limiting required branded school uniform to the blazer and tie.
Department for Education guidance on the cost of school uniforms	This guidance asks schools to think carefully about affordability, branded items, suppliers, second hand uniform and clear information for families. Our uniform information is written to reflect this.
Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026	From September 2026, secondary schools will be limited to three compulsory branded items, or four where one item is a tie. Longbenton High School currently requires two branded school uniform items.
Equality Act 2010	We consider equality when setting and applying our uniform policy, including making reasonable adjustments where appropriate.