**Working Parents in Cardiff Struggle to Afford School Uniforms Amidst Soaring Living Costs**
Despite holding down a paid job, Cardiff mother Gemma Williams describes a daunting reality many working families now face: she cannot afford to cover the costs of her children’s school uniforms without financial support. Echoing the experiences of parents across the country, Gemma highlights that, despite employment, the relentless climb in everyday expenses is making basics like education increasingly unaffordable.
Gemma, who has three children aged six, ten, and eleven, expressed her ongoing difficulties, candidly stating that “daily life is hard at the moment”. Her children attend Bryn Celyn Primary School in Pentwyn, Cardiff—a school where around 65% of pupils qualify for the Welsh Government’s school essentials grant. This grant, aimed at lower-income families, offers up to £200 per child per year to help cover essential items such as uniforms, school visits, and even music lessons.
Bryn Celyn Primary’s headteacher, Liz Berry, confirms that families in her community are being increasingly squeezed by the cost of living crisis. “We’re seeing more parents than ever relying on assistance,” Miss Berry revealed. To support those struggling, the school offers not only food and energy vouchers but has also recently launched a pay-what-you-can-afford food shop to ease the burden. The school also actively encourages families to check if they are eligible for the school essentials grant through their local authority.
Miss Berry underlines the broader significance of the grant, noting that when families apply, schools themselves receive additional funding. She elaborates, “The extra funding allows us to expand our resources, bring in additional staff, and enhance the overall education provided. But this only happens if eligible families do apply. When they don’t, it’s not just the family that misses out, the entire school community feels the absence.”
The scheme, introduced in 2018, has granted over £62.5 million since its inception, directly benefiting more than 170,000 families in the last two years. This support is vital, not least because starting secondary school or facing increasing school costs can quickly become overwhelming. For families like Gemma’s, the grant makes a practical difference—without it, she admits, her children would go without the basics that many others take for granted.
Gemma, currently working part-time at Domino’s, shared her experience: “Even though I am in work, it’s a real stretch to make ends meet, especially when you factor in school costs. I used to work full time, but the rising cost of food, electricity and daily essentials means we struggle, regardless of my job.” For many families in a similar position, the grant is not a luxury but a necessity.
School uniform is about more than appearance—it instils a sense of belonging among pupils, Berry explains. However, the financial outlay can be prohibitive for struggling families. “We always encourage children to wear the uniform as it builds that school spirit,” she said, “but we understand it’s not affordable for everyone.”
Applications for the Welsh Government’s grant are now open, offering eligible families £125 per child annually and up to £200 for those starting Year Seven. All looked-after children also automatically qualify. The funding can cover a range of expenses including uniforms, sports kits, educational trips, and essential school supplies. Importantly, eligibility should be checked even if a child already gets universal free primary school meals.
As the cost of living crisis persists, the pressure on both families and schools remains intense. Community initiatives and government grants are proving to be a crucial lifeline, but many suggest that more long-term solutions are required. In the meantime, Gemma and thousands like her are urging eligible parents not to miss out on support that could ease an increasingly heavy load.
With the scheme running until May 2026, local authorities are encouraging all parents to apply and check their suitability for the grant. For further details, it is recommended that families contact their local education provider or visit the Welsh Government’s official website.