The school uniform grant will be increased by 20% to help support low income families, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced today.
The grant is designed to assist families in need with a contribution towards the cost of purchasing school uniforms.
Announcing the additional £1.04 million investment, the Minister said: “The cost of purchasing school uniforms can place significant financial strain on low income families. My department is currently undertaking a review of free school meals and the uniform grant. In the interim, in light of the cost of living crisis, I am allocating an additional £1.04 million to increase the uniform grant available this year to provide additional support to parents.
“I appeal to all schools to be mindful of families across Northern Ireland who are struggling financially, and the additional burden purchasing school uniforms can place on household budgets. Every effort should be made to ensure school uniforms are as affordable as possible, in line with my department’s guidance on this issue.”
The allowance helps towards the cost of specific items of school uniforms and clothing for PE for pupils at primary, post-primary and day pupils at special schools.
The uniform grant will be increased for all applications for the 22/23 academic year.
