Charity Scheme Helps Coventry Families Save £69 on School Uniforms

Families in Coventry were able to reduce their back-to-school costs by an average of £69 this summer, thanks to a charity initiative providing free second-hand and donated uniforms. The clothing scheme, run by Clothing Coventry, ran for three weeks and assisted more than 2,700 children as they prepared for the new academic year.

Katie Wilson, chief executive of the charity, highlighted the financial strain many parents face, noting that the estimated cost of a school uniform is £249.58 per child. “Projects like this only happen because people give their time, resources and support,” Wilson said, expressing gratitude to the volunteers who facilitated the events.

Across the duration of the programme, the charity distributed 15,005 pre-loved uniform items. The breakdown of donated goods included 2,807 shirts, 2,787 pairs of boys’ trousers, 2,388 jumpers, 1,869 polo shirts, and 1,531 pairs of shoes. Smaller quantities included 900 pairs of girls’ trousers, 1,092 skirts, 616 pinafores, 453 logoed PE kit items, 260 sixth-form outfits, 183 blazers, and 119 ties.

In addition to used clothing, the charity supplied 4,659 brand-new items to 2,142 children. For the 60 families where a blazer could not be provided, £30 vouchers were issued instead. Wilson acknowledged that demand for specific items, particularly blazers and logoed PE kits, continued to exceed supply despite generous donations.

Supported by Coventry Building Society, the now four-year-old programme ensured that no attending family left without support. “While we can never guarantee every item, in every size, for every school, we are proud to say that no family who attended our events left empty-handed,” Wilson stated.

One parent of eight children described the relief the service provided amid tight finances. They noted that securing uniforms for their large family was a significant worry, but the charity’s assistance “took away a lot of financial stress” and ensured the children could return to school appropriately dressed.

Clothing Coventry announced it will reopen for uniform requests on September 14. The charity also confirmed that support remains available to families throughout the year, extending beyond the traditional summer holiday period.