OVER TWO-THIRDS OF parents said they were worried about meeting the cost of school uniforms this year, a survey by charity Barnardos revealed. The Back to School Survey 2026 was conducted online and allowed 704 parents to share their thoughts on costs they face when children return to school this autumn. More specifically, over 70% of parents stated that they were worried about meeting the cost of uniforms. One primary school parent surveyed remarked that “The cost of the uniform is outrageous. Another secondary school parent described uniform costs as ”a scandal”.