Eligible families can apply for a grant of at least £120 to help with the cost of school uniforms- this is a £20 increase from last years grant.
The Scottish Government and councils have reached an agreement to increase the national school clothing grant to a minimum of £120 per eligible primary school pupil and £150 per eligible secondary school pupil.
This will be supported by £11.8 million of additional funding to local authorities and will help low-income families with the essential cost of school uniforms for children.
The eligibility criteria and the amount of money you can get depends on your local council, but everybody who gets a school clothing grant will receive at least £120 per child.
Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:
“School uniforms can place a significant financial burden on families, some of whom are already facing additional hardship as a result of the pandemic.
“This school clothing grant will help to relieve some of that pressure for around 145,000 families and it will help to ensure that all children can go to school feeling comfortable, confident and ready to learn.”
COSLA Children and Young People’s spokesperson Councillor Stephen McCabe said:
“Councils and schools are working to tackle the costs of the school day, ensuring that all children are able to fully participate in their education. Working with the Scottish Government, we are pleased that the national minimum school clothing grant has been increased and that families can get extra support as we continue on the road to recovery from the pandemic.”
How to apply for the school uniform grant
Eligible families can apply for the school clothing grant through their local council.
It's normally a cash grant paid directly to your bank account.
Who can apply and the amount of money you'll get depends on your local council. Everybody who gets a school clothing grant will get at least:
- £120 per child of primary school age
- £150 per child of secondary school age
You need to apply for the grant through your local council and a dropdown menu to find your local council can be found here.
Check your local council's website to see when you apply for the grant and most councils will accept applications from July until the end of March.
When you'll get a payment
You get one school clothing grant payment each year.
Councils usually make most payments in July or August before the new school year starts. But this can vary between councils.
Further enquiries about school clothing grants
Your local council deals with school clothing grants. You need to contact your local council for any queries. This includes queries about payments.
If you're eligible for a School Clothing Grant, you may also be eligible for free school meals and free school transport.
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